Royce L. Van Bebber

Royce Van Bebber passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2024. His daughters were at his bedside.

Royce was born to George Elwin (Ellie) Van Bebber and Dorothy Rogene Van Bebber (Wells) on May 13, 1931 in Petaluma, California. Royce resided in Petaluma his entire life. During his youth he was active in a model airplane club, proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout and participated in DeMolay.

At the early age of eight, Royce began sweeping floors at Van Bebber Bros, the family steel business, and continued working throughout his school years learning all aspects of the business. He graduated from Petaluma High School in1949, began working full time at Van Bebber Bros, and married his high school sweetheart, Carolee Kroft, on August 27, 1950. Together, they raised four children in the home Royce and his father built in 1953. His career continued at Van Bebber Bros where he led the company as it evolved into Petaluma's oldest family owned business, spanning five generations. After he retired, the company was led by his son, Rick, and later, his grandson, Royce. In 2026, Van Bebber Bros will celebrate its 125th anniversary.

Throughout his life, Royce enjoyed spending time with his family at Clearlake. He spent many hours expanding and upgrading their Jago Bay cabin, but always found time to tow water skiers and join friends for cocktails on the beach. Royce became an accomplished downhill snow skier, traveling to many ski areas and eventually owning a vacation home in Northstar, Lake Tahoe. There they made many new friends and countless family memories.

As a couple, Royce and Carolee enjoyed RVing, salmon fishing, boating and gathering with friends for cards. They were also members of the Petaluma Golf and Country Club.

In later years, Royce joined a Northstar book club and become an avid reader, switching to audiobooks as his vision declined. When he gave up driving, he remained connected to his community by cruising the streets of Petaluma on his bright red, four-wheel scooter.

Community service was an important part of Royce's life. He was a member of the Jaycees, Elks and Masons. He also worked with the United Way Foundation and supported many charitable organizations. For many years, he was a member of Petaluma Rotary and served as President in1978. A highlight of his presidency was attending the Rotary International Convention in Japan.

Royce was preceded in death by his father, George E. Van Bebber, his mother, Dorothy R. Van Bebber, his wife, Carolee Van Bebber and his son, Richard Van Bebber. He is survived by his sister, Lois Roberts, his three children, Cindy Johnson, Linda Garner (Gordon), Cheri Van Bebber (Dan Puffinburger), his nine grandchildren, Tara Sloan, Peter Gaultney, Royce Van Bebber, Krissy Vaughn, Lindsay McIntyre, Heather Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Jay Puffinburger, Mark Puffinburger, and 13 great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the care Royce received from Petaluma Valley Hospital, Petaluma Post- Acute Rehab, Dr. James Leoni and Hospice of Petaluma. We would especially like to thank Prestige In Home Care for their exceptional care during Royce's final years. His two caregivers, Lisi and Lee, were extremely competent, loving and quickly became part of the family.

A Celebration of Life for Royce will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at Petaluma Elk's Lodge 901, 2105 South McDowell Blvd, Petaluma. Royce L. May 13, 1931 - Van Bebber October 8, 2024