Archie A. Van Elslander

True story: I don't know of anyone other than my parents who might know this, but when I was in high school he arranged for me to have the use of his personal car so I could take my date to the senior prom. Public image aside, his gesture showed who he was... even though no one else might ever know about it. That was a big thing for me. Thanks again. I wish him and all of his family, friends, and associates the best.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Van Elslander family. The world has lost a great man! I worked in the design department for about 10 years after graduating from college and I learned so much! It was more like family than co-workers. Some of my fondest memories were working at the Van Elslander house decorating it for Christmas. Mrs. Van was always so sweet and I got to know the younger family members that did not work at the corporate office. I know your hearts will hurt for a long time as will ours. He will always be remembered for the wonderful things he did for the community. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind!

Mr Van was truly from a motivated generation of dreamers and doers. As a second generation furniture dreamer and a young person calling on Art Van Stores it was always thrilling to get feedback and be inspired by him. He surely knew everyone's name but I always felt worthy of my post each time he recognized me and called me by mine. My condolences to all those who benefitted from his vision and the beautiful legacy of family he leaves behind.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Van Elslander family. I am heartbroken over the loss of such a great man who meant so much to me and my late husband Len. He touched so many people and changed their lives in a good way and will always be remembered by all with love. Sincerely, Mrs. Leonard Gudenau (Kathy)

Mr. Van did so much for the Detroit community. I was proud to work for his company. What I learned from selling furniture transferred to my teaching career. My prayers and condolences are with the entire Van Elslander family.

I wish to extend my condolences to the family as well as all the employees that Mr Van leaves behind, working for Art for 18 years I always enjoyed his presence. He was truly loved and admired: Again sorry for your loss

I was truly saddened to hear of Mr Van's passing. I remember being a new employee on the sales floor at 14 mile; just 20 years old. One of my first jobs and I was really green. This was back in 1984 or so and I remember Mr Van coming in the side door by the main office. He said hello and I remember to this day how his infectious smile helped put me at ease. I was employed in sales for about 15 years or so and learned a tremendous amount of life skills. I'm very appreciative of having worked for this wonderful caring man. My prayers are with your family.

i would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Van Eslander family. my husband len and i and our children were very close friends with sandy seroka and her family. i know that he was a very loved father and grandfather. our love goes out to the entire family. sincerely, sue and len bartush

My condolences to the family. Mr. Van was truly a "people person" always looking out for what was best in the community. He will be missed.

Thoughts and prayers to Dave and the Van Elslander family. So sorry for your loss. I have some fond memories of how he treated me both when I was young and also as an adult when I would see him. Always with respect and concern. He was a great caring, loving and giving man. We lost a truly great one. Best wishes to the entire Van family and sincere condolences to you all..

I want to express my condolences to the Elslander family on the loss of Art Van Elslander. I have many fond memories working for the Art Van Furniture Company starting with the Plymouth Rd. Livonia MI store back in the 80's. Please know that you are in my prayers during this time.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Van elslander. He was such a good person?
Owen/pauline
Detroit mi.

My prayers & thoughts are sent to the family. I used to work for Art Van & he was such a nice man. He never missed the opportunity to acknowledge his workers & say "HI" when he would visit the different locations. I enjoyed working for the company & was so very sorry to hear of this loss.

Our deepest sympathy for the Van Elslander Family during this difficult time. Prayers of peace and strength
be with you. Mr. Van will be in our hearts and spirit and will never be forgotten.

Deeply sad to hear about Art my deepest condolence to the family through this difficult time. I enjoyed my many years working for the Art Van Furniture Company in sales and as buyer. Noel Borg

Our Thoughts & Prayers to the entire Van Elslander Family. Having worked at Art Van for 32 years, I've gotten to know a lot of the family and appreciate the opportunity to work for such a fine gentleman. Mr. Van you will be missed, but God knows best.

To the Van Elslander Family:
Having lost my own father just a month ago, I know all too well what you are going through with the loss of Art. Please take solace in the fact that he lived a wonderful life and touched literally thousands of people in a very positive way during the past 87 years.
I am extremely grateful for spending ten years with Art, Chuck and John at our Thursday night dinner club in Bloomfield Hills. I am also thankful to them for attending our wedding and reception eight years ago (picture attached). The truth of the matter is that Art was always there for me when I needed him and I will always keep my memories of him very close to my heart.
Art will be sorely missed by all of us, but never forgotten!

MaryAnn,thank you for making me feel like part of your family at Christmas ,and God be with you and your family during these hard times.Art you are with your mother ,father and brother,and thank you for our talks,and God be with you.My Prayers are with you,and all your family you left behind.REST IN PEACE

I pray for strength in this difficult time for all your family and friends, and everyone whose lives you touched. My dad always spoke very highly of you and appreciated everything you did for him through the years. May God's light shine through.

Our families go back more than one hundred years to Belgium and all came to Detroit together so many years ago. I had the privilege of meeting my cousin Art about twenty years ago and getting to know him. We shared our Belgian heritage and a few stories about the close relationship between his Dad and my Grandpa. Art's passing is the end of an era. He was good to so many people through his kindness and generosity. There will never be another Art Van Elslander, but there's no doubt that his legacy will live on through the good works that his children will continue to do. To all of the Van Elslander family, I send you my deepest condolences and my heartfelt prayers. Art's life and legacy will live on far beyond his presence here on earth.

Our Sincere Condolences to the Whole Family
Much Love and Prayers said and sent to Lori Webb and Michelle Miller ❤

Gary and David my prayers and love go out to you and your family. Art was a great man and an icon in our industry. Stay strong.

Archie was the meaning of God's love and grace among us. Touched so many people in so many areas of life. I pray his memory will live on through all the charitable works and individuals he has forever changed. God rest his soul. Memory Eternal. Prayers to the family. lovingly, Dennis and Andria Bojrab

God loves this great Man. Mr. Van is resting in peace, truly. ❤ Our Communites will miss him and never forget his generosity. Let love shine brightly in our hearts as we say farewell for now, and know how Great Thou Art, how Great Thou Art!!! XOXOXO. - Elaine Ann Hanes, Loving Community Member

To the Van Elslander Family - Prayers of Comfort and Love to all during this most difficult of times.To the memory of Mr Van - thank you for the generosity of your heart and for the opportunity to work within the Art Van Family over the last 20 years. Your kindness and giving nature will be missed but your legacy will live on for years to come. Rest in Peace Mr Van - your job is done.

"Go rest high on that mountain, son your work on earth is done" - No one deserves peace and rest as much as you do. I will be forever grateful for the years I worked for you, and for your guiding me in my recovery in AA.

Special memories will keep your legacy alive. Our dearest condolences to the family and friends as we move on and forever remember.

My sincere condolences to the VanElslander family. It was my honor and privilege to work for Mr. Van and his family for many years at Both Art Van and Scott-Shuptrine Furniture. God Bless you and may you rest in peace sir.

I am feeling a mix of sadness and gratitude at the same time, as I process Uncle Art's passing. Clearly, the sadness results from the loss of anyone whom we love and care about, but perhaps it is magnified and deepened by the feeling of the breadth of his experience and his impact in our little corner of the world.
I am grateful for all of the positive ways, directly and indirectly, that he has impacted my life. Patti and I were sharing with one another that we don't really know who we would be today if we had not had the experience of having Uncle Art and the Van Elslander family in our lives. We can't imagine it, but we know we would be different. Even though we have been distant over the recent years, that feeling of connection remains.
I am also very grateful to Uncle Art for all the ways he has taken care of my Dad. He certainly didn't have to, and yet, he did. That has been a gift to everyone in our family. Once again, thank you Uncle Art.
Lastly, I am happy for you, Art. To have lived a meaningful, productive life, leaving a beautiful legacy, and now to be free of the physical constraints of the human body. Bless you on the next phase of your journey. In loving memory, Suzi Hobson

With our heart felt sympathy we are deeply sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this dificult time. Raymond and Shirley Grube, Roger and Karen Cremont

Me van , you will truly be missed. You were an amazing man god bless you and your family ❤

Although I was an employee many years ago, I have fond memories of Mr. Van at dinner a few times, decorating the Van home for the holidays, and just being able to say hello to him at the corporate offices. I feel loyal to the company and still shop and bring my own clients to shop. I wish Mrs. Van and all the Kids peace, comfort, and love during this difficult time. You have many angels watching over all of you. God bless.

My sincere condolences to the van family on loss of your father and grandpa.