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DAniel VanAuken Obituary
Daniel A. Van Auken died on July 6, 2014 after a courageous struggle with cancer. He was 34.
Dan was a much-loved, multiple award-winning teacher at Central Intermediate School in Wadsworth. He was determined to fulfill his duties to his students to the end of the year. He succeeded, with the loving help of his colleagues. In recent days he cherished letters of support from his students, past and present.
In addition to helping young minds learn the beauty of math, Dan loved reading, movies, music, following all sports (especially University of Michigan sports and the Cleveland Indians) and running. He competed in short, medium, trail and marathon races. He shared his passions with his students, his family and with a large and extraordinarily close group of friends. Many of them had brought their high school friendships (Firestone) forward into adulthood, in a rare and beautiful display of how commitment to friendship can deeply bless young lives.
Dan's life was blessed especially by the love, joy and unwavering support he found in his relationship with Katie Krumreig.
Dan remains at the heart of his family. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Karen Van Auken. He is survived by his loving father and second mother, Steven Van Auken and Christine McCorkle; and by his devoted sister, Betsy Walker, and her husband Curtis Walker Jr.; and cherished nephew, Bennett. He is also survived by his grandparents, Lois Van Auken and Dan and Mary Jane McCorkle. His loving family includes aunts, (Alice, Pam, Lynda, Holly); uncles, (Doug, Pat, Ted, Dick); and cousins, (Dave, Andy, Erin, Jillian, Kelsey, Jenny, Abby).
Dan viewed the world at all times with deep sincerity and with profound humor that lit up the lives of those around him, often in unexpected ways. He accepted the losses that cancer demanded with grace and courage. As he did so he taught us lessons about living, as he drew on the strength he found in his family and friends. Our partnership continues.
Calling hours will be Wednesday, July 9, from 3 p.m to 7 p.m. at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Rd., Copley, OH 44321. The memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 10, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333 (across from Summit Mall). Contributions to benefit students in need can be sent in lieu of flowers to Wadsworth City Schools, c/o Dan Van Auken Fund, 524 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281. Please visit www.hummelcares.com to share memories or condolences. 330-253-6126
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for DAniel VanAuken
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Rev. Carlita Cotton
July 16, 2014
Curtis and Betsy,
For reasons known only to our Lord and Savior, I feel your grief today and wish I knew the right words to alleviate your pain. Instead, I encourage you to allow grief to take you through all the phases-- there is no time limit, for a "thousand days are like a day." Blessings and strength for TODAY wished for you!
Murray Family
July 12, 2014
To the Van Auken family
Our sincere condolences
Michelle Wagner
July 8, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Dan at Hope Academy! He was a terrific guy! So sorry to hear about this! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time! I know he will be deeply missed!
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Lisa Varner
July 8, 2014
I had the privilege of working with Dan at Learning RX for about 3 years. He was dedicated to his students and always committed to helping them become their very best! He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
I Ran for Dan :)
Mazie Shaffer
July 8, 2014
Mr. Van Awesome was a great man. He was always smiling when he was in the classroom and he made learning fun. He would come to school even if he wasn't feeling one hundred percent. He told us he did this just so he could see our faces. He always brightened our day. I am praying for the family of him and praying that Jesus will comfort them.
I Ran for Dan :)
Mazie Shaffer
July 8, 2014
I love you, Dan, and will miss you!
Beth Falkenberg
July 8, 2014
My heart is heavy today. I had the privilege of working with Dan at CIS, and I was also his mentor the first year he joined our staff. He was loved by all his students and colleagues and will be missed. There will be a hole at CIS that will never be filled because of his absence. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time of loss.
Cheryl Jarvis
July 8, 2014
Jen, Sorry for the loss of your cousin Daniel. My thoughts and sympathy are with you and your family. God has gained another Angel. God Bless.
Cheryl
Suan Shapiro
July 8, 2014
My prayers continue going out to all of you. May you find some peace in this time. Susan Shapiro and family
Jim & Lyn Huston
July 8, 2014
Steve, Christine, Betsy & Curtis,
We were saddened to learn of Dan's passing on Sunday. May God give you the strength you need to get through this sad event.
Dan always took the time to chat with us, if we were outside, when he came over to visit.you. The forever teacher in me, I was trying to follow his teaching career. It seemed to fit him. He left his impact on others. That is something to be proud about.
Jennifer Wagner Navarro
July 8, 2014
Danny you will be greatly missed!
July 8, 2014
I am a friend to Holly....God speed your hearts to a peaceful place. You will continue in my prayers
Belinda Foster
July 8, 2014
To the family: May The Lord give you strength in this time of bereavement my prayers are with you all, much love.
Nancy Walfish
July 8, 2014
As Danny's sitter in his grade school summers, I can tell you he was always funny and brave and well-behaved and so unfailingly dear to his little sister, Betsy. A very remarkable young boy from a loving and remarkable family. Such a very sad loss to so very many.
July 8, 2014
Dear Steve. All of us at OSN are profoundly saddened to hear of your loss. God bless you in your hour of sadness and know we have you in our prayers. Linda Derringer
Amanda Moore
July 8, 2014
Extraordinary isn't even enough to describe the strength and amazing character of this man. My son has been blessed with the opportunity to know him, and be taught things that will forever grow within his mind. God Bless you all in this time. May he rest in the arms of Precious Jesus.
Ashley and Adam
July 8, 2014
Steve, Christine, Betsy, Curtis, and Katie -
We are truly sorry for your loss. This obituary was beautifully written and spoke true to the man Dan was. I am so extremely grateful that I had the chance to know him. We are inspired by his courage, strength, and grace. We will forever be changed by the footprint he left behind. We love you all.
Love,
Ashley Short and Adam Tyler
Carlee Northup
July 8, 2014
To Mr. Van Auken's family, Mr. Van Auken was amazing. I did not always understand math, but he was patient with me and made it easier to understand. He also was so much fun with after school intramurals. He will be missed by a lot of people. I know he made a difference in my life. I won't stop trying hard. God Bless you Mr Van Auken!
July 8, 2014
I never had the honor and privilege to actually meet Dan but felt I knew him through my niece, Katie Krumreig. So many, many people will miss him but carry him in their hearts so he will never be far away. May God give comfort and strength for the days ahead and may God hold you all in the palm of his hand. Amen. Carla Sare
Andrea Orchard
July 8, 2014
Dan's passing leaves us all with a huge void of friendship, love, laughter and a view of life that surpasses the ordinary. He will truly be missed. God bless you, his family with peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit to carry you.
Ayana Taylor
July 8, 2014
Betsy and Curtis, you are in our prayers. May God bring you and the Van Auken family comfort and peace. We love you. The Taylor Family
Rev. and Rev. Holls and Carlita Cotton
July 8, 2014
Dear Betsy and Curtis,
Please accept our heartfelt prayers and condolences. We know that it is Heaven's gain, but on Earth, it still hurts. We cry with you! Pastor and Mrs. Cotton, St. James AME Church, Danbury, CT.
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