Kathleen Van Loan Minchak

Kathleen Estelle Van Loan Minchak died on September 28, 2014 at High Point Regional Hospital, after a valiant fight against lung cancer. She was born on June 17, 1928 in New York City. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Wheeler and Edith Van Loan; sister, Charlotte Ann Van Loan; and brother, Donald Wheeler Van Loan.

Kathleen was descended from the Van Loons of Holland who were some of the original settlers of the Hudson River Valley in the late 1600's. She resided in High Point for most of her life. Her family moved to High Point when she was 6 years old after her father, a textile chemical engineer, co-founded the Marlowe-Van Loan Corporation. Throughout her life, Kathleen was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, wife and friend.

Kathleen is survived by her husband, Joseph Bernard Minchak of Westchester Harbor, High Point; her son, Dr. John Converse Poag and wife, Molly, of Greensboro; and her precious grandchildren, Kirsten Marga Poag of Chapel Hill and Evan James Schuyler Poag of Greensboro. She leaves behind many dear friends and acquaintances.

Kathleen attended local schools in High Point, including the Little Red School House. She graduated from Salem Academy and attended Hollins College, graduating with a BA in Art History in 1952. While at Hollins, she was a member of A.D.A. Kathleen worked as Administrative Assistant to her father at the Marlowe-Van Loan Corporation, later becoming Vice President after his death, and along with her brother, ran the Corporation for many years until her retirement.

Kathleen was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church in High Point. Kathleen was a sustaining member of the High Point Junior League, joining as a Provisional in 1953 when it was the High Point Service League. She was a member of the High Point Debutante Club, serving once as its President. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, past member of the High Point Museum Guild, member of the Hungry Supper Club and the High Point Country Club, and had been an active member of the renowned "Mutual Investors" Club.

"Kitten" or "Ku", as many of her friends liked to call her, was a joyful and loyal friend, always ready to welcome, entertain, and engage in lively conversations. Although standing just over 5 feet tall, she had great presence. Her beautiful smile, her appreciation of elegance and beauty, her keen interest in others, her wit and charm, and, above all, her gracious and kind manner, will be missed by all who knew her.

There will be a visitation at Sechrest Funeral Home, 1301 East Lexington Avenue, High Point on Saturday, October 4, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 918 North Main Street, High Point on Sunday at 3:00pm, after a private burial in Oakwood Memorial Park.



In lieu of flowers, her family asks that memorial contributions be directed to the Hayworth Cancer Center, c/o High Point Regional Health Foundation, P.O. Box HP-5, High Point, N.C. 27261.

Please share your condolences with the family at www.sechrestfunerals.com.