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Curtis Lee Vander Ven
Curtis Lee Vander Ven
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Curtis Vander Ven Obituary
August 4, 1975 - February 21, 2025
Curtis L. Vander Ven, 49, passed away on February 21st in Cape Canaveral, FL. He was born on August 4th, 1975, in Bryan, TX, and spent much of his youth traveling overseas as a military child before his family settled in O'Fallon, IL. He graduated from O'Fallon Township High School in 1993, making O'Fallon home for over 20 years-until called to begin anew on the Florida coast. The warm weather, friendly faces, and the non-stop fishing season were too inviting to resist, and Curtis became an unapologetic Floridian working at Port Canaveral's Sunrise marina.
Curtis was always up for an adventure, whether that was exploring foreign countries or discovering new fishing holes. He was an avid fisherman who found peace and joy in nature, always happiest with a rod in hand. He was a beloved son, a dear brother, a fun-loving uncle, and a best friend to many. His presence, sense of humor, and kind smile will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his father, Deacon Dennis (Deborah) Vander Ven; his mother, Lavinia Uzzel; his twin brother, Kevin (Angela Pyles) Vander Ven; his brothers, Preston (April) Vander Ven, Scott (Kimberly) Vander Ven, Timothy (Maris) Naegele, and James (Beth) Naegele; his sisters, Lavinia Vander Ven and Kimberly Naegele; and 21 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his older brother, Jeremy Vander Ven.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Catch a Dream organization (https://www.catchadream.org/tributes/memorial-gifts/) or the Florida Youth Conservation (https://wildlifeflorida.app.neoncrm.com/forms/19) honoring Curtis' love for fishing and the great outdoors. Cash donations can be made during service times for the Caseyville Police Department's Youth Fishing Derby. Services will be held at LifePoint Church in Collinsville, IL (Visitation at 1 pm & Memorial Service at 2pm).
6 Entries
Tim
March 2, 2025
Curtis was my step-brother and I first knew him since 90's at about age 16. He was very friendly and will be missed. You could always strike up a conversation with Curt and he would talk with you for as long as you wanted about many topics.
He also was an avid fisherman it was the #1 sport for him. He would often tell stories about various fishing expeditions on local lakes and the fish he would catch. He also loved camping with Boy Scout and being in the woods. He worked steadily to earn many merit badges.
He also loved music and other indoor sports in winter like billiards.
I was able to work with Curtis in 90s in fast food he was always a very hard worker and loved to work the "action jobs" like truck deliveries and cooking on the grill. In those early years, at work he would talk about some day moving to Florida and working at beach and at sea. It is good to know he got time to do what he had dreamed about. He will be missed.
Dennis Vander Ven
February 26, 2025
So many memories. He was the oldest of twin boys (with Kevin) by about 29 minutes, if I remember correctly. Curtis was introduced to fishing as a young Boy Scout, but he was hesitant at first. He quickly found it enjoyable, and met others through this sport. I remember his photo was in a Spring edition of our local O´Fallon paper. He sitting on the bank of a local lake with his youngest brother, Scott, teaching him to fish.
Jackie Buesking
February 25, 2025
A visit with Curt in April 2022. You are loved & missed dear friend! Love Jackie & Dave Buesking
Scott Vander Ven
February 25, 2025
You will forever be missed, Curtis!
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Cathy La Forge
February 25, 2025
Missing you my dear friend - so many laughs - now you're where "Everybody Gettin' Tipsy" this will all be your song and I will sing it out loud like we use to
Michele Gagne
February 25, 2025
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301 S. Lincoln Ave., O'Fallon, IL 62269
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