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William Van Allen Obituary
Jun 3, 1955 - Mar 27, 2025
William Joseph Van Allen, age 69, of Cedar Lake, IN, formerly of South Holland, IL. Entered into rest peacefully March 27, 2025 and was born into life June 3, 1955 in Chicago, IL. Loving husband of Patti Maksoudian, nee Tallman, married on February 16, 2018 in Crown Point, IN. Beloved father of Jennifer Van Allen (Jorge Calvente), Timothy Van Allen, and William Van Allen Jr. His most special treasure was his granddaughter, Celeste Ivy Calvente. Dear brother of Kathleen (late Robert) Kalmes of Dyer, IN, Joseph Van Allen of Schererville, IN, the late Janet Van Allen, and late Timothy Van Allen. William was previously married to Debbie Kortum Patten. He will also be dearly missed by his nephews, cousins, extended family, and many friends that he has made over the years. Preceded in death by his parents William L. and Margaret G. (nee Anderson) Van Allen. William was raised in South Holland Illinois and attended St Jude the Apostle Grammar school, Mendel Catholic High School and graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1974. He worked for 14 years for South Holland Public Works and as a firefighter paramedic in the South Holland Fire Department. Later he was employed with DeYoung Furniture as a warehouse manager. His last position was as a courier for Rubino, Rubin, Crosmer and Polen law firm in Dyer Indiana, he retired in 2020. He has lived in the Cedar Lake community since 2012. William enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons, watching and attending Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Blackhawks games, as well as traveling with his family for vacations. Visitation Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.) Dyer, IN, with Rev. Arlyn Walters officiating. Inurnment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donations in William's name to the Hospice of the Calumet Area, appreciated.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Van Allen
Sponsored by The Times.
4 Entries
Judy VanderWal
April 3, 2025
Patti: So sorry to learn that you have lost your husband and best friend. Even though I haven't seen you in many years, I've so enjoyed seeing your happy lives together through photos on facebook. My sincere condolences.
Tim Conroy
March 31, 2025
Bill was a wonderful guy with a great laugh. Enjoyed our friendship at St. Jude and our time as janitors at Elizabeth Seton High School, where his mom would slip us hot ham and cheese sandwiches on "Bingo Nights". Bill was a joy to be around and he will be missed.
Chuck Ruggiero
March 28, 2025
Red was a great idol to me as he was a lineman for the St Jude Varsity Football team
I joined in 69 when I was in 6th and Bill was in 8th. He taught me a lot both on the field and off the field.
Bill you will be missed
Elizabeth Wallenius
March 28, 2025
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
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