Edward Joseph Van Hoven Jr.

Edward Joseph Van Hoven, Jr. passed away on Friday, May 11, 2018 at the age of 91. Edward, better known as Eddie or Mr. Van, was the beloved and devoted husband of the late Dorothy V. Van Hoven for 68 years. He was the loving father of Edward Van Hoven III (Pam), Timothy Van Hoven (Joan), William Van Hoven, Mary Riche (Rian) and Julie Wettstein (Kevin). He was the doting grandfather of eight grandchildren: Zachary, Josh, Jessica (Matt), Eric (Mendy), Kyle (Allie), Meredith (Matt), Jake and Jenna and ten great grandchildren: Madison, Euli, Maria, Matilda, Mason, Lucy, Landon, Taylor, Juliette and Mary Katherine. He was the son of the late Edward and Celima Van Hoven. He was the brother of Jerry and was preceded in death by his brother Thomas and sister Gladys Curtis. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Eddie was the consummate example of a loyal, holy, faith filled person who lived a humble life of service to his family, friends and church. He was a proud World War II veteran serving our country as a sergeant in the U.S. Army and was a member of the American Legion Post 175. Eddie was an insurance agent for Life of Georgia for 40 years. He was one of the original members of St. Benilde Church joining the parish when it was formed over 50 years ago and continued to serve as an usher at 4:00 pm Saturday mass until the age of 89. Eddie received the Order of St. Louis award for his service to the Catholic Church. For 10 years he maintained the St. Benilde food pantry preparing donation boxes weekly for needy families. As an extraordinary minister, he served communion at masses and to patients at East Jefferson General Hospital. He served in the St. Vincent de Paul Society for 20 years and was nominated for the 2017 Top Hat Award. Over the years he worked as an athletic coach at Cleary Playground, served as President of parent booster clubs at Archbishop Rummel and Chapelle High Schools and volunteered in the St. Christopher and St. Benilde booster clubs. He served as Cub Scout leader and chairman of St. Benilde parish fairs. After his retirement from Life of Georgia, he proudly worked with his son Tim at All Sports Sales for 20 years. In his lifetime, Eddie enjoyed time with friends, going out to eat, Saints and LSU football, traveling with Dorothy, playing with his grandkids, and watching westerns. Eddie was the kindest soul, never met a stranger and had a great sense of humor. He gave of himself and his love and devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren will be intensely missed and always cherished. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass, on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 1:00 pm with visitation beginning at 11:00 at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com