Allan J. "Spider" Van Lear

Allan J. “Spider” Van Lear, age 79 of Burleson, TX and formerly of Faribault, MN passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Texas Health Huguley Hospital in Burleson, TX.

 

Allan James, the son of Fred and Lois (Kamph) Van Lear was born on December 19, 1943 in Faribault, MN.  He attended Bethlehem Academy High School and graduated with the class of 1961.  Following high school Al served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Asia from 1961 to 1965.  After his honorable discharge Al attended college in River Falls, WI and later transferred to Mankato State University where in 1974 he received his Bachelor of Science Degree.  Later he would attended the University of Minnesota and earn his Masters Degree in Education.  Finding work as a teacher was challenging at first and Al worked various jobs.  He landed his first teaching position with the FATE Center in Faribault and later transferred to the Faribault Junior High School.  On December 19, 1973 he was united in marriage to Linda Plaisance.  Linda preceded him in death on January 8, 2021.  Al was an exceptional softball player and his teams won the Minnesota State Softball Championship twice along with numerous other tournaments over the years.  Al and Linda loved to travel and for 20 years they wintered in Texas.  They also loved their Golden Retriever Teddy who was very special to them.  In retirement Al also spent many hours volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul in Faribault.

 

He is survived by his son, Brian (Jennifer) Van Lear of Burleson, TX; by three grandchildren, Alexander, Rachel and Lauren Van Lear; by his brothers David Van Lear and Jeff Van Lear and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Linda.

 

Memorial services will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault with Bernadette Tatge, Pastoral Minister at Divine Mercy Catholic Church officiating.  Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Organization.

 

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory on Monday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

For online tributes and further information visit www.ParkerKohlFH.com.