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Van Jillson Obituary
Van graduated from Mira Costa H.S. in Manhattan Beach in 1964 and began his career at TRW in 1965. Van retired in June 2009 after 45 years of service.
Van is survived by his wife, (Helen) Rose Hufnagel; his daughter, Kim Jillson; his grandson, Connor; his granddaughter Rebecca Nardini; and his great grandson, Levi Nardini. He is also survived by nieces Corri Driscoll and Megan Hufnagel, who were like surrogate daughters to him, as well as a multitude of extended family members. Van will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
A memorial service to honor Van's life will be held at Leisure World 13533 Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA on October 5, 2024, at 4pm in Clubhouse 3 Room 9. Family and friends are welcome to attend to celebrate his life and share memories.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to American Brain Foundation donation page or mail a check to American Brain Foundation, 201 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Donations will be matched by a generous donor until December 31, 2024.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Van Jillson
Judson Bennick
September 30, 2024
We would go down to visit and stay at the house in Torrence (I think?) and everyone would be awake except Uncle Van. He always slept in and because we were kids, we were itching to get going for the day. Aunt Rose would let us wake him up. Sebastian and I would proceed to run into their bedroom and jump on the bed, pushing and shaking him to wake him up. It was hilarious to us. I don´t think it was quite as entertaining to him. I also remember Uncle Van wore sports shorts or sweat pant shorts around the house and when he wasn´t paying attention, we would pants him. Uncle Van loved his soda pop. One time aunt rose filled his large cup with a top with soda and ice. She had me bring it to him, and I, thinking I would make it colder faster for him, swirled the cup around. He got so mad, saying it messed with the carbonation of the soda. The last, semi-vivid memory I have was when I was really young. We visited the Palm Springs house. We were all out by the pool swimming. Uncle Van and Uncle Jerry were horsing around by the pool, and I had just jumped in. They wrestled each other into the pool and landed on top of me, pushing me to the bottom of the deep end. I was young and not a strong swimmer, so it scared the crap out of me. I thought I was going to drown. Funny in hindsight sight, but obviously not in the moment. -Judson Bennick
Kimberly Dione Jillson
September 30, 2024
I have many memories of my dad growing up. When I was around 5 years old I would love to entertain my dad & my grandparents singing & dancing in front of the fireplace alongside the tv show, "The Lawrence Welk Show." I know they enjoyed it, too. I spent a lot of time with my dad at my grandparents house in Manhattan Beach. I remember the birthday parties as well. As I got older he took me to my first concert we saw John Denver that was so much fun. My dad was there for everything. He bought me my first car a blue Chevy Chevette. I loved that car! He was there for all my graduations high school & College. He was there for when I had my daughter Rebecca and my son Connor. Connor loved when grandpa came to see him play at his baseball games. He was there for my daughter, Rebecca's wedding. All my friends & family adored my dad. He enjoyed going to Thanksgiving dinners to see my Uncle Dan & Aunt Carol. I had the pleasure of meeting his sister Lianne when we met at his house in Seal Beach. I was so glad that she got to say her final goodbyes to my dad through FaceTime during that difficult week before his passing. I was so thankful & blessed that I got to spend that time with him before he passed. My son Connor got to say goodbye as well through FaceTime & my daughter Rebecca was able to be with him so she could say her goodbyes as well. He will be missed by many who knew him. He was always so joyful! He always made people smile & always had a good joke up his sleeve & of course so witty too. We would always talk for hours at a time. He loved watching women's volleyball & other sports & he also loved the Big Bang Theory among other shows like Mash & the 70's show. My most favorite memory & there are many is when we went to the Irish Festivals where we sang & I got to meet his friends. We always had an amazing time not to mention the love for food. Laguna Cafe was his favorite place to eat. The place reminded us of Mel's Diner. It was a community of people & everyone was so friendly! He loved going there & they loved him. There is so much more I could say. Lastly, my dad was fun-loving, joyful and unforgettable. Once you met my dad you definitely would never forget him. He would always put a smile on everyone's face & he would light up the room as soon as he entered. I LOVE YOU DAD!!! YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART!!! THIS IS NOT GOODBYE! THIS IS SEE YOU LATER!!! LOVE YOUR DAUGHTER, Kimberly Dione Jillson
Rebecca Nardini
September 30, 2024
My grandpa was one of a kind & one that won´t be forgotten. His giant heart, wittiness & humor set him apart from the rest. He wasn´t an ordinary grandpa, he was extraordinary & he always left you with a laugh that made your stomach hurt. He was genuine, he kept it real, and he was confident in the man he was. He gave me a life of hope growing up & was always there for my mom, my brother & I as much as he could be. I hope to share the years ahead doing some of the things he loved & sharing that with my son. We love you forever goofball. Love, Becky
Corri Hufnagel
September 30, 2024
Uncle Van was a second father to me, I have endless memories with him and Aunt Rose. One of my favorite early memories is him letting me paint his toenails pink even though his feet were incredibly ticklish. I remember using his belly as a trampoline for my small toys. He let me style his hair with pretty bows and shoelaces, something I continued to do for years to come. Silly little memories, but ones that stood out. I spent every summer and holiday I could with them growing up. Uncle Van and Aunt Rose never missed a single important event in my life, nor any other family members. They both provided me so much needed structure in my formative years and throughout my entire life. He always made me feel important and loved, never too busy to entertain his niece. There were countless trips to visit family in Sacramento or Albuquerque. Vacations in the RV, houseboats on Powell and Shasta Lakes, camping all over California. Some of the funnier memories were with Sacramento family on our camping trips. One time he and I were borrowing Mary´s van to go to the store for food when he backed over the camp grill and immediately told me that we were going to tell her it was a hit & run at the grocery store. Another time we were searching for a spot to park the RV and my cousin´s friends were following on foot behind the camper. We could see them on the back up camera when Uncle Van decided it would be funny to hit the brakes suddenly. We watched one of the boys run smack into the back of the RV. Hilarious. In Yosemite he served as our "Bear Bait" and stayed behind us when walking to protect us. We ate so many s´mores that trip I do not think I have had another one since. On Lake Powell we docked the boat on a small island overnight that we donned "Fat Cat Island" and that nickname was one that stuck with him afterwards. He fell asleep around the fire that night when his chair tipped over in the sand and rolled onto the ground. Even asleep he was making us laugh. He and I used to laugh so hard together we wouldn´t be able to breathe. Aunt Rose to come downstairs in Oregon because we were being so loud, she thought we were fighting. Only to realize we were just dying laughing. That was such a part of his charm, we could be doing absolutely nothing but talking and watching TV and it was still the best time I ever had. I also spent several summers with them in Oregon with my sister, Megan. We had so much fun at many rodeos, music festivals, car shows, the Oregon Country Fair, regular state fairs- eating tons of delicious pastries called Elephant Ears. Those were his favorite. We would watch the Fourth of July fireworks from the Newport Bridge and that was magical over the bay. He and I attended Scottish Festivals and Games throughout the years. We once discovered a band called Brother who we immediately fell in love with. The music was like being transported. We followed them all up and down California and Oregon. Hitting every festival or event they played if it was within a reasonable distance. One time he and I made the trip up to Portland to catch them at an Irish pub, but on the way stopped at Multnomah Falls. A place I had been dying to check out for years. It was so beautiful, and I have some great photos of us there together. Cherished and beloved memories. We spent a lot of time in local cafes and restaurants listening to various bands and live music. Always enjoying dessert before we left. He was the eternal kid and just a complete delight to be around. He was a wealth of knowledge, a complete riot, a personal comfort in human form, the best uncle I could have ever dreamed of. I am so blessed beyond measure to have had him in my life. I am so grateful he was able to meet my husband and daughter. He was playing with her and making those "quack quack" noises that he makes. It was precious and I'll hold that time close to my heart forever. Uncle Van was my Fat Cat, my other dad, my best friend and was the most fun person to be around. He was the most special man and will be kept alive in stories and memories. I love you, Uncle Van, with my whole heart and miss you more than I am able to put into words. I´ll take care of Aunt Rose for you. - Corri Hufnagel
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Lisa Cleary
September 30, 2024
When I think of Van, I remember him being very kind and jovial. Always happy and very knowledgeable about a lot of things. When we went to visit Rose and Van in Oregon he shared stories about his drives around Oregon. He loved to get in his car and go! He told me about the Costal Elk he would see on his drive to the coast. And all the beautiful scenery. When Van moved back down to California he would come to the kennel and watch TV with my mom. I know she always enjoyed his visits. They would watch war movies and comedies. Van was a good sport about watching the things my mom liked to watch. He really liked to watch the history channel and so did my mom. I remember my mom telling me how much Van knew about World War II. She and Van would swap stories. He loved all the doggies. I think Popcorn and Woody were his favorites. Always holding them on his lap. I miss Van but I know he is in a better place. Say hello to all the doggies for me Van!!!! Good bye for now, love you! -Lisa Cleary
Jessica Shevlin
September 30, 2024
Uncle Van and Aunt Rose were always present for every major milestone in my life-whether it was my high school graduation, college graduation, my marriage, the birth of my daughter Lillian, and so many more. Their presence was always certain, making them the closest extended family members we had, and they almost always brought Corri with them after she was born. They took care of so many family members over the years, always the ones to step up and help, whether it was supporting someone through a hard time or celebrating a milestone. We shared countless vacations and adventures together, and I am so grateful for both of them. I miss Uncle Van so much. Uncle Van rode Harleys - he had a Heritage Softtail, a Fat Boy, and a Dresser. One vivid memory of just him and me was during one of our annual trips to Southern California. He took me on a motorcycle ride down the Pacific Coast Highway. I remember the beautiful weather, the smell of saltwater in the air, the cool ocean breeze in my hair, and the loud rumble of the Harley engine. Even though motorcycles can be scary, I felt completely safe and happy riding with him. He was the type of man who always made me feel loved and protected. He and Aunt Rose went to many motorcycle shows, and there was one time that I remember there were tattoo artists on-site. Uncle Van got a tattoo of a woman riding the man in the moon-graphic, but tasteful. My dad, not one to be outdone, decided he had to get one of his own, so he did-bigger and more graphic. But Uncle Van wasn´t going to let that slide, so he had his tattoo redone, making it HUGE and even more graphic. It turned into a funny family battle, and everyone laughed-except maybe my mom! Uncle Van and Aunt Rose had so many dogs over my lifetime - first Pomeranians, then Miniature Pinschers. Uncle Van almost always had one of his beloved dogs sitting in his lap. If my memory serves, Boinky, Scooter, and Buffy were his favorite Poms when I was a kid, but I know that he had other Poms and Min Pins who were dear to his heart over the years. He also had a big gray cat named Socks and my grandpa built a cat ramp in their living room so the cats could escape the dogs. Uncle Van´s love for animals was undeniable - his and Aunt Rose´s little fur children. I remember one of the funniest recurring family jokes involved my brothers trying to pull his pants down to moon everyone, and he would put on this exaggerated, fake outrage that would make everyone laugh even harder. It started when my brothers were little and continued into their teenage years, if memory serves. When we went on a house boat at Lake Shasta, I remember us kids laughing so hard because Uncle Van was snoring so loudly - he sounded like a bear. On a trip to the Grand Canyon, Four Corners, and Lake Powell, he made a big, fake fuss about how huge the RV was, which had everyone cracking up. My mom, brothers, and I visited them every summer when we were kids. We went to Disneyland every year (back when you could just show up and walk around without apps and fast passes and whatever else is required these days), and for some reason, I feel like the Matterhorn was his favorite. I remember one Fourth of July when we were in Lawndale, Uncle Van lit a ground flower firework that bounced off a fence and ricocheted into the air - we all scattered in both laughter and fear! On one of our visits to Lawndale, I got to ride along with Uncle Van on his nighttime delivery route. I was amazed by the busy freeway traffic at night and I felt so special to be able to ride in the delivery van and go into the dispatch room with him. During one of their trips to Sacramento, we all went to the Scottish Games in Woodland, near Sacramento. I remember that we absolutely loved the music at the event, and we bought t-shirts of the band the Wicked Tinkers. I remember that he and Corri ended up following one of the bands, Brother, and went to their shows at other events. When we visited them in Tidewater, Oregon, we went to the White Wolf Sanctuary-an amazing experience. I remember on one of their visits to Sacramento when I was pretty young, we all went up to tour Folsom Prison, and in the gift shop I saw this beautiful ring that had been made by one of the prisoners. Uncle Van saw how much I wanted that ring, so he bought it for me. I still have it to this day, even though my fingers were tinier then, and it no longer fits. Uncle Van always had these big, funny, over-the-top reactions that made everyone laugh even more. He would even say random phrases in German just to get a laugh. Uncle Van was always jolly, sweet, kind, and loving. He was incredibly smart, and I always felt safe and comforted in his presence. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. -Jessica Bennick Shevlin
Sheri wendel
September 13, 2024
Oh the memories! I have many hysterical memories, but my favorite is.... camping with Van and Rose up the CA coast when we both had motor homes.
It was football season, and Larry came over to Van's motorhome and told us he had the game on our TV if he wanted to come over and watch. Van looked at Rose and said "I wanna turn on my TV!" She said " if you can find the generator button you can. "
Van and Larry were all over the motorhome trying to find that button. Eventually Rose relented and turned it on. They never found it.makes me laugh to this day.
Miss you my friend.
Megan Hufnagel
September 1, 2024
I have eight million favorite memories...so many funny..and so many wholesome but at the end of the day it was driving to the coast of oregon and him telling me all about his childhood...we even saw dolphins.. ....and also him being bear bait in yosemite after I got sick off of smores and we just ...stuck behind everyone being slow and walking.
jerry hufnagel
August 31, 2024
my memories in general are fading... but I do know Van was always nice..always smiling...always welcoming. I loved him and I will miss him. He truly was a "good" person. Him jumping out of car and "planting" landmines the night Rose and I picked him up from a bar crawl still makes me smile.
Sandy Cash
August 31, 2024
Condolences to the family. My first memory of Van is when he worked in mail services. I worked in the S/basement at the time. He was running up and down the halls delivering mail rapidly, because if he got done early, as he told me, he would take his mail delivery truck down to Manhattan Beach and watch the girls until it was time to get off work. So Van.
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