Kenneth Eugene Van Leer Sr.
Kenneth Eugene Van Leer Sr.
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Kenneth Van Leer Obituary
Kenneth Eugene Van Leer, Sr., son of the late Robert W and Regina Van Leer.
Ken Van Leer was born in St. Clair, Missouri, June 16, 1936, and departed July 31, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona.
Kenneth grew up in St. Clair, Missouri and attended High School there, graduating in 1954.
He worked at several jobs, including Deb Shoe Co. Later, he took a correspondence course from DeVry Tech Institute.
On September 10, 1955, he married Betty J. Norden, of Catawissa, Missouri. Two children were born to this union, Sherri Lynn and Kenneth Eugene, Jr.
In 1960, Ken went to work for Seven Up in St. Louis, Missouri, but worked as a sales person at the Union Missouri Warehouse. Then became a supervisor for a large territory, He worked in this capacity until 1973, when he acquired a Distributorship in Columbia, Missouri.
In 1979, he and family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Ken had various work, in 1988, he acquired a franchise for Mars Electronics. Ken semi-retired in 1998. Ken Jr. took over the business.
Ken was a faithful member of the Masonic Lodge, and was a member of Easter Lodge #575 in St. Clair, Missouri for over 60 years. Ken was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, was a member of St. Clair Charles, and was Worthy Patron with his mother, Regina. Ken was also a member of Alexander Chapter in St Charles, Missouri.
In Arizona, he became a member of Sunnyslope Chapter 47, and wayfarer's #50 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was Worthy Patron there several times, and became the Worthy Grand Patron 2003-04. He was a Committee Member of the Knights Templar Committee in General Grand Chapter, 2006-2009. He is still active in these worthwhile organizations.
Ken leaves those who love him:
Daughter, Sherri Lynn Van Leer, Kenneth Eugene Van Leer, Jr. (Rebecca White Van Leer), Jessica Van Leer Burkhalter (Weston) and Great-Granddaughter, Zoey. Jennifer (Van Leer) Castle, Great-Grandson, Trey and Jordan, Van Leer. Brother, Bobby Van Leer (Janet) and sister, Phyillis Wideman. Many wonderful family and friends.
He will be greatly missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
530 E Springfield Rd, Saint Clair, MO 63077
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2 Entries
Mike Larson
August 4, 2022
Ken was a friend and mentor to all in the vending industry. I am thankful to have known him and thankful for all the kind words and advice over the years. Rest in peace
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Sherri Kasprzyk
August 3, 2022
Ken was one of my favorite clients and always made me smile and laugh when he came in to visit. He will be missed. RIP Ken !
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