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Kenneth Van Wieren Obituary
A dear friend, colleague and family man passed away unexpectedly on December 29th at Scripps Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was the second child born to Christine and Jacob Van Wieren of Hackensack, New Jersey. He graduated from Columbia University in 1971 and went on to the New Jersey Medical College and Tulane University earning his M.D. in 1975. He completed his pediatric residency at UCSD and went on to become chief resident at San Diego Children's Hospital in 1979. After training he joined the Scripps Clinic Medical Group as the first pediatrician for the multispecialty group. He has devoted the last 27 years of practice to caring for children and their families. He felt privileged to be a part of their lives and will be missed by all he cared for. Like the families he cared for, Ken's first priority and joy was his own family. He was immensely proud of his girls and their accomplishments. Julianne graduated from UCSB and Amanda is a senior at Cornell. He enjoyed the beach, walks in the lagoon and most importantly good food, wine and chocolate. He is survived by his wife Randi, daughters Julianne and Amanda, sister Susan Feldmann and by countless friends and colleagues. He will be greatly missed. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, January 12th at the Powerhouse Park overlooking the beach in Del Mar from 2:00-4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Ken Van Wieren Memorial Fund C/O Scripps Clinic. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Van Wieren
Carol Pugh
February 5, 2008
Dear Dr. Van's family -
I must add our names to the list of families that saw Dr. Van (as he was nicknamed by my then 18 month old) from the time they were first born. When I was pregnant with our first, I asked one of the specialists who the best pediatrician was - Dr. R told me that if I wanted a calm, gentle doctor, Dr. Van was the one. Oh, and by the way, Dr. Van was Dr. R's kid's pediatrician!
Our visits to his office were always met with joy, even when the kids were sick and unhappy in general. If I had to wait to see him, I knew it was because he was giving other kids the time they needed and that would happen for my children too. Dr. Van was a wonderful practitioner of both the art and science of medicine. We will miss his gentle, humourous presence greatly.
Our prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your husband, dad, and friend.
With great sympathy -
Brian, Carol, Nicholas, and Christina Pugh
The Daul Family
January 31, 2008
We were shocked and very saddened to hear the news of Dr. Van Wieren's passing. Sadly, we opened our mail too late to attend the memorial. Dr. V (as we called him) was a wonderful, caring doctor to our little girl. We liked him so much that we kept him as our doctor even after we moved two states away to New Mexico. He had such a calm, positive demeanor and we really appreciated his straight responses to our questions and his dry sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family whom he talked about often during our appointments.
Betty Symons
January 30, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Van Wieren family. We first met Dr.Van Wieren in 1984 when our daughter was born and he was at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines. He was always so calm, gentle, patient and thorough and took the time to answer all the questions that new parents have about their child. He was the only doctor that our daughter had until she went off to college. Dr Van Wieren has left this world a better place. Our deepest sympathy to his entire family.
Betty, Jules and Jennifer Symons
Sophia Green
January 30, 2008
Dr.Van Wieren worked very hard, and I am really sorry that he died. I saw him for 7 and a half years. He was kind and he cared for children and babies. We all wish that he was still alive.he had a good career.I miss my doctor.From:Sophia,one of his patients.
Barbara Hagey
January 27, 2008
Dr. Kenneth Van Wieren was our pediatrician for the past seven years. He always managed to put my young daughters (and me!) at ease with his thoughtful, relaxed style. I remember at the end of each well-child checkup he would smile at my daughters and tell them "You're Perfect!"
We attended the memorial service held at Powerhouse Park -- What a wonderful and personal tribute, with the stories of Dr. Van Wieren's life, and the songs played by his close friends. Our heart goes out to his family, colleges and friends -- We will miss him very much.
Nidia M. Vargas
January 22, 2008
Dr. Van Wieren was not my son's first pediatrician BUT he was certainly the very best. After being repeatedly disappointed with the pediatric services at other organizations in San Diego, I was lucky to have found Dr. Van Wieren to care for William, my son. This morning I learned of Dr. Van Wieren's death, I have been very sad since. His approach to health care services, caring and reassuring ways, and smiling face for William and I keep flashing through my mind making me feel terribly sad that we have lost him. The combination of wonderful personal qualities, sensibility, and the professional skills that he possessed are hard to find in a doctor today. I am grateful for the time that we were lucky to be under his care. He was an extraordinary doctor and man. We will miss him A LOT.
Sandy, Chuck & Scott Lemoine
January 22, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Van Wieren Family. We moved from Los Angeles to San Diego in 2000 when Scott was in the 5th grade. This year Scott graduates from Torrey Pines High School. We were very fortunate to find a wonderful doctor for our son. We appreciate all his help managing Scott's asthma and allergies. Dr. Van Wieren will be greatly missed by our family.
Amy Woodruff
January 22, 2008
Dear Van Wieren Family,
I feel as though I grew up with Dr. Van Wieren through the 20 years he took care of my two daughters. We were both from N.J., both the same age, both our older daughters shared school experiences together, but when it came to the wisdom of childcare, he was way beyond me. He was unflappable - even the day we walked in with the worst case of Fifth's disease he had ever seen. His calm manner from the days of Nurse Diane and baby immunizations through the teenage years was a rock for me. I will miss the koala on his stethoscope and the way he called my girls "punkin". He was the best. Our family sends heartfelt condolences for your loss.
The Ruediger Family
January 22, 2008
Dr. Van Wieren was my daughters pediatrician since they were babies. He will be difficult to replace. He always took time to talk to us and listen to our concerns at our appointments and he spoke often of his own daughters. We were sorry we were unable to attend the memorial in Del Mar but send our thoughts and prayers.
Maryann Yilmaz
January 22, 2008
Dear Mrs. Van Wieren and Family,
Dr. Van Wieren was my son's pediatrician from his birth. He got us thru a tough first year with our son who was born 9 weeks prematurely and had lots of problems early on. As a new mom he was incredibly helpful to me. He was always warm and calm no matter the issue. As our son grew he became very fond of Dr. Van Wieren and always viewed an office vist as something positive!
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a very kind man and a great pediatrician.
Michele Sabourin
January 20, 2008
Dear Mrs. Van Wieren, Julianne, Amanda, and family,
It is with deep sadness to learn of the death of Dr. Van Wieren. We read the letter from Scripps after his memorial service. Our heartfelt sympathy to you during this difficult time. My husband David, and Ken first met at Scripps Clinic 20 years ago. When our first child Jerrud was born 18 years ago David knew who he wanted to care for our children. Joshua is now 15. Ken took great care of our boys throughout their years. He was a gifted pediatrician. We will miss him so much. His untimely death is a huge loss. May you be comforted knowing how much he was loved and well respected. We hold you in our prayers,
David, Michele, Jerrud and Josh Sabourin
farnaz farid
January 19, 2008
today is saturday january 19th,for the first time i am mad at myself for not opening my mail on time and i will never forgive myself for missing his memorial on the 12th. Kameron and Sahin will miss you greatly and i can not imagine finding a more caring doctor.
Frederick Johnson
January 17, 2008
I worked with Ken at Children's Hospital. He was always witty and engaging. My prayers to his family.
Razak Hossain
January 16, 2008
It is with a great sense of sadness and shock that we heard of the untimely death of Dr. Van Wieren. Both of my sons were patient's of his. He was a warm, witty, kind and deeply reassuring presence in our lives.
We shall all miss him a great deal.
Greta Suydam
January 16, 2008
I met Dr. Van Wieren 7 years ago. I was the vaccine representative who visited his office. We hit it off right away. I loved to talk to him and hear his stories and laugh together. We'd talk about his girls or my four kids, our jobs, the Chargers. He would always take time to meet with me. He would brighten my day. "Dr. Van Wieren, I will miss sharing a bottle of wine with you at my dinner programs and your awesome smile. You were one of the best!"
Kathrina Bidwell
January 15, 2008
To The Family of Dr. Van Wieren:
You have our deepest sympathies on the loss of your kind and loving husband and father. He made such a difference in many lives as one of the best physicians I have had the pleasure to know. He was an exceptional physician and truly cared for my children. He will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May his memory be eternal.
The Bidwell's: Kathrina, Allie and Nick
Annie Flager
January 15, 2008
It was with great shock and sadness that we learned of Dr. Kenneth Van Wieran's passing in a letter from Scripps Clinic on Friday, January 11th, 2008!
I remember asking the folks at the front desk in Pediatrics who'd they choose to be their child's pediatrician if they could here at Scripps Clinic Del Mar, and they all unequivocally voted for Dr. Van Wieran. I asked this question of them in my eighth month of pregnancy with first child, and I have never regretted that decision.
When I first met Dr. Van Wieran, he reminded me of a grayer, wiser Dick Van Dyke. He was a kind, gentle doctor, with just the right sense of humor, compassion, and wisdom to our family, especially for both of my children, now five and seven years old. He's known both since the day they were born, and we’ve really appreciated his calm demeanor during the few childhood emergencies we’ve been engaged in!
His wisdom continues to intrigue us as I asked him what he thought of Capri Elementary, where both my daughter and son are now, and the wonderful things he said about the school still very much hold true.
We will miss your warm heart, dry wit, and gentle kindness to us, Dr. Van Wieran, and we rest assured that so much love and kindness to so many and their families will return many times over to you and yours. Our warm thoughts and prayers to your wife and daughters and family and friends, I am sure we will all see you again. We are sorry to lose you so soon as you had also become a constant in our lives as well, but are very much certain that you are helping and healing others in heaven now.
Until we meet again, The Flager Family (Charles, Annie, Kira, and Norman).
Bill Griswold
January 14, 2008
I was one of Dr Ken Van Wieren teachers during his Pediatric training at UCSD. I enjoyed working with him. He was a fine Doctor who worked hard to help his patients. He will be missed.
January 14, 2008
Dear Van Wieren Family,
I saw Dr. Van Wieren for the first time on 11/28/07 for my toddler's chronic skin condition. I was so touched by his kindess, soft nature, smile and great advice. I was so sad to hear just today about your loss. You can be eternally proud of your husband/dad who helped and touched so many people. Please be assured that he is now taking care of you from his new place.
Much Love,
Christina B, La Jolla
Kirsten Halbert
January 14, 2008
My deepest sympathy and condolences go to Dr. Van Wieren's family. I will forever be grateful that he was our children's pediatrician. Back in 1986 when it came time to pick a pediatrician, I asked my OB who I should choose (we were at Scripps Torrey Pines back then). My doctor gave the good “company line,” saying "all of our pediatricians are fine doctors." I looked hard at my doctor, as I knew this was an important decision, and asked "who do you take your daughter to?" He named Ken Van Wieren. It was the best referral I ever got.
When I first met him, Dr. Van Wieren was natural, down to earth and genuinely nice. He caught me completely off guard and won me over when he said to me, “Listen, I know I have the diplomas on the wall. But YOU are the expert on your child. So, if I ever say something about your child that doesn’t ring true with you, I want you to tell me. We will work together for your child.” And, you know what? He wasn’t just saying that. He meant it and stuck to it for the entire 20 years I took my kids to him. I have referred him to many people, with absolutely no hesitation, knowing he was the best.
Throughout my kids’ lives, he was kind, compassionate, and able to relate and connect with them. He made us laugh, listened to us, never made us feel rushed in the slightest, and never, ever made us feel foolish for our questions or concerns. He is a special spirit who enriched every life he touched. My children and I are blessed to have known Ken Van Wieren.
My prayers are with the Van Wieren Family. May peace come to you and may time heal your sorrow.
Liping Zhang
January 14, 2008
My daughter has been under Dr. Van Wieren's care for more than 14 years. I still remember the day when my daughter had 105.9F fever and how kindly he treated her and how fast she recovered. Our hearts go out to Dr. Van Wieren's family and we will miss him very much.
Kathleen Napoli
January 14, 2008
Dear Van Wieren Family -
Our family was so saddened and shocked by the letter we received from Scripps in regards to Dr. Van Wieren's passing. Dr. Van Wieren has been our daughters pediatrician from day one and she is now 12 years old. My husband, daughter and I felt blessed to have him for a pediatrician. He took such great care, patience and interest in her (and my husband and I too) for all these years. He will be greatly missed. We were unable to attend the celebration, but, please know that he was a special person and we will definitely miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
Cecil, Kathy and Lauren Napoli
Julie, Jamie, McKenna, Nicholas & Tyler Crawford
January 14, 2008
We were stunned and saddened to learn of Dr. Van Wieren's passing. I first met Ken after the birth of my third child. He was the pediatrician discharging us from the hospital and after evaluating my son, proceeded to sit and chat with me for nearly 40 minutes, discussing my middle child. It was that day that I decided to move all my kids to his care. He was a kind and wonderful man and doctor. He will be missed.
Dano Robinson
January 14, 2008
To Ken's family, I'm so sorry for your loss, he is a great man. I didn't know Ken as a doctor, but I knew him as a golfer. We played on Wednesdays together, it was one of his great passions. I can only imagine how he was as a doctor, but I could tell alot about his character and kindness on the golf course. He never got upset or mad or frustrated. He was always happy and a fun person to be with no matter how he was playing. I'll miss golfing with you Ken, no more slices my friend, you'll be hitting them straight now.
Dano
Cyndi Peterson, MD
January 13, 2008
Ken always treated my family with heartfelt kindness and warmth. He combined the Art and Science of Medicine as no other. He will be missed greatly. We will always have a special place for him in our hearts.
Tonia Hibler
January 13, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I was Very shocked and sad to hear this about Dr. Van Wieren. I worked with him In Scripps Del Mar For about 5 years.My son was also A patient of his from toddler to teens. He was a very kind gentle man he will be missed.Are prayers go out to the family.God Bless Tonia and Tre
Sara Nicholson
January 13, 2008
"ditto" to the eloquent condolences for the family of such a tremendous man; my only regret is not being able to shake his hand and thank him one more time.
The Lissebeck Family
January 13, 2008
Dr. Van Wieren was our children's doctor as well, and has been part of our lives and family for the last 6 years. When my daughter was 14 months old she nearly drowned while at day care in a plastic kiddie pool. Dr. Van Wierem was a calming voice during a very turbulent time. We will never forget his thoroughness and kindness. He will be greatly missed!
Victoria Li (age 6)
January 12, 2008
I miss my doctor.
The Paul Family
January 12, 2008
It was with disbelief and great sadness that we received the news of Dr. Van Wieren's passing. We first met in 1985, after the birth of our son. With confidence and optomism we entrusted his care to Ken, and subsequently our daughter's. These children grew up with no fear of doctor's visits and actually looked forward to their appointments with Dr. Van Wieren. He was gentle and thorough and was always reassuring to a worried parent. As the years passed we felt he was a costent in our lives, a friend and confidant in addition to an outstanding physician. During the Memorial Service today, it was evident that we are not alone in our feelings of gratitude for having been touched by such an exceptional man. We will always remember him fondly and miss him. He truly made a difference in many lives and Julianne and Amanda, you have so much to be proud of. Our hearts go out to you, your mother, and family in your time of sorrow and loss.
Bita Heitmann
January 12, 2008
Dr. Van Wieren was an exceptional man! I met him the day my first child was born nearly 8 years ago. He significantly enhanced my family's life with his exceptional care. I trusted him completely as all his advice worked beautifully. He made seeing the doctor an enjoyable experience. It was a privilege to have his undivided attention. My biggest fear was that he might retire before my kids grew up. His untimely passing is a HUGE loss to so many. I cannot even imagine the pain his family must be going through (he always managed to mention them during our appointments). He was a gift to everyone who had the honor of interacting with him. He will never be forgotten! My eyes are still burning from all the tears I shed at his beautiful memorial service overlooking the ocean today.
Jim, Pat, Monique & Derek Tucker
January 12, 2008
To the family of Dr. Van Wieren.
Dr. Van Wieren was a household name.
He was our daughter's doctor from age six until she went to college. He was our son's doctor from birth to his current age of fourteen. They loved him and we did too. He was someone we could trust them with. Whatever was ailing them would always get better after a visit to Dr. Van Wieren. He made them laugh and he made them better.
We trust that the Van Wieren family will appreciate how much he meant to his children and cherish his memory with the same degree of love he freely gave in his office.
Thank you.
Jessica Martinez
January 12, 2008
Dr. Van Wieren will be missed greatly by our family. We have been with him since our oldest was born, 9 years ago. I still remember sitting down in his office interviewing him. I liked his honesty right off the bat. He provided us with so much advice as parents and he was always right. He was great at calming a new mothers worries. My husband and he always talked sports, especially basketball. My kids thought he looked like the Dr. on the TV show, "House"...but I always said that Dr. Van Wieren was much nicer. We are very sad and are saying many prayers for his family. The Martinez Family
Rea & Joe Jones
January 12, 2008
We are a family of 4 children and were lucky enough to have Dr.Wieren as our only sons Dr. for the last 2 years he has been wonderful and will be very missed for future Dr. visits. Our heart goes out to his family.
tim darton
January 12, 2008
From nearly the day they were born until they each towered over him, Ken took good care of my sons and provided sound, thoughtful advice. What a shock to lose him so soon. Rest in peace "Dr. VW"
Tim Darton
Matt & Chris
Eric Charnholm
January 12, 2008
After having just learned of Doctor Ken's passing this morning, it must be reiterated just how gentle, kind and seemingly unfazed KVW was. Both my children have been patients of KVW for more then a decade and he was always such a soothing presence. Just a month ago I brought my youngest in with a chest cough and KVW calmly diagnosed the issue and additionally took the time to handwrite a document describing the diagnosis at my request, something he didn't have to do. He always put the patient and the family first. I hope his "small town doctor" spirit lives on in this ever growing city... he will be painfully missed and our thoughts and prayer are out to everyone who feels the pain of this loss.
Linda, Mike, Aaron and Katie Goldin
January 12, 2008
Twenty years, as a young mother visiting Dr. Van Wieren with a 2-year old and nursing infant in tow, I asked him if it would be okay for me to join my husband for the occasional glass of wine. He looked thoughtful, then replied, "I think it's mandatory."
His rare intelligence, wit, humanity and fine medical skills made him so beloved that even though they're both now in college back east, they still chose to see only Dr. Ken. San Diego has lost a great one.
Anne Abbott
January 12, 2008
Dear Van Wieren Family,
I've worked @ Scripps hospital for over 20 years and have had many funny and interesting conversations with him over the years. He was such a kind, good-natured man and truly loved being a pediatrician. He will be greatly missed by me and many others here that had the pleasure of seeing his smiling face all these years. May our good Lord keep you all strong at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely,
Anne Abbott
Unit Secretary MCH Scripps LJ
Marichelle Tahimic
January 12, 2008
Our heartfelt condolences to the Van Wieren family. "Dr. Van" was our sons' doctor since birth. Our sons are almost 10 and 6 now. Our sons never dreaded their visits to Dr. Van, even with the prospect of shots looming. We will always remember Dr. Van for quickly and calmly telling us to take our son to Children's Hospital when he had a breathing problem that we attributed to having a cold. We knew we could trust him for the care of our children. He will be greatly missed.
Fine Family
January 12, 2008
We will always remember Dr. Van Wieren for his incredible ability to calm our parental fears when the latest strange rash or weird bump popped up in our kids. He was a kind and gentle physician who was greatly loved by our kids. We will miss him.
Lindsey Pollaczek
January 11, 2008
While I didn't grow up having Ken as my doctor, I did know him as a wonderful Dad to my dearest friend Jules and as a funny, smart, and all around great guy. Ken told great stories, was always up for a good laugh, and was even a good sport when I was rooting against his team at Qualcom stadium. You were loved by so many, and your absence will be incredibly missed. I'll even root for the Chargers to go all the way this year--let's see them do it for you, Ken!
Love, Lindsey
Mindy Macumber Bates
January 11, 2008
Dr. Van Wieren was so calm, patient, caring and kind. He always had a smile on his face as he told us funny stories about his own daughters. It was obvious how much they meant to him. He would just laugh as our 18 month old daughter (Brooke Amanda) would kick, wiggle and scream during the ear exams - yet he never lost his cool. We will miss him and remember him fondly. My heart goes out to his wife and daughters. The Bates Family
Larry Schmitt
January 11, 2008
My last direct contact with this fine physician occured while he was a resident at Rady Childrens Hospital, twenty-five years ago. At that time he made lasting impressions on me for many reasons, not the least was his recognition and comfort with the emotional needs of his peds patients and their families. Since then I have referred patients to him with confidence. The loss of exemplerary physicians brings extra sorrow when it comes so early. This comes with my deep sympathies for his wife and daughters.
January 11, 2008
I am sitting here, wondering what to say about such a special man!! I heard the news this morning as I was calling to make an appointment for my son! We have all been in shock today. My heart goes out to his family, colleagues and many patients.
"Dr. VW", as he was called in our family, has been taking care of my 3 children since we moved here in 1994. I loved his easy going nature and gentle spirit. He always took the time as if you were his only patient. (which is rare these days!) We would often talk about what books we were reading and what trips we all wanted to take.
We will miss him very much!
Marion, David, Molly, Hap & Anna Knowles
The Hollenbeck family
January 11, 2008
Our family was very sad to hear about Dr. Ken, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues. He has been taking care of our kids, who are now 16 and 13, since the day they were born. He has been such a constant source of support, good advice, and dry humor that it is hard to imagine not having him here. We will all miss him very much.
Kim Alfonzetti-Ahlström
January 10, 2008
I only met Dr. Van Wieren once, when he came to Sweden to visit his daugther. He seemed like such a loving father, and a really great person! Our thoughts are whit you and your family.
We send all our love and thougths,
Kim, Siri and Martina.
January 10, 2008
Dear Van Wieren Family,
You have our prayers and sympathy at this time. Our three children were cared for by Dr. Ken, who was always kind,patient and devoted to their needs. They are young adults now and one has become a parent himself as of August 23,2007. We thank you for your kindness toward our family. In your time of sorrow may you find peace in His presence as He gives you strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
Dr. Edward and Edwina Alexander
Everett, Erika and Efrem
Olivenhain
Janet Snyder
January 10, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the Van Wieren family. Ken was our 22 year old daughter, Katie's first doctor. We will always remember fondly his kindness and gentle touch, his dry humor, love for Scripps Chips, and tall stature. He will be greatly missed by many. Sincerely, a colleague and parent, Janet George and Katie Snyder
Janie Rooney
January 10, 2008
Dr Van Wieren was our three daughter's pediatrician since 1980. He was so gentle and kind and when we moved away in 1990 to Washington, it was a hard to find his replacement. I had always hoped to revisit with him and appreciate all he did for our girls. I'll never forget him having to put stitches in my oldest daughters forehead...who did not want to have stitches. When the ordeal was over, he had tears in his eyes as he did not want her to be upset with him. God Bless his soul as he is a special human being.
Katrinna J.
January 10, 2008
I remember working for Dr. Van Wieren at Scripps LJ as a Med. Secretary. He was nice, friendly and kind to everyone. Working in pediatrics was always busy, but he made my job easy. My heart goes to his wife and daughters. I was shocked to see his name in the obit. He will be surely missed!
The Sager Family
January 10, 2008
We will truly miss Dr. Van Wieren's guidance, advice and positive attitude. No matter how sick she was, my daughter always looked forward to going to see him. Our condolences to his family.
Hilary Strong
January 10, 2008
Dr Ken was my pediatrician literally from the moment I was born until I was 18 years old and his biggest patient! Even though I could have seen an "adult doctor" once I became a teenager, I loved having Dr Ken as my doctor so much that I kept going to him. Dr Ken was one of my favorite people when I was a kid, and I am still very grateful to have had such a kind and wonderful person for my pediatrician. He was so nice, funny, and caring; I really looked forward to all of my appointments with him. He meant a great deal to me and I will miss him very much. I hope that one day when I have children I will find someone almost as wonderful as Dr Ken to take care of them, since no one could replace him. Thank you for everything, Dr Ken!
Christy Hendrickson, MD
January 10, 2008
I was so saddened to hear of Ken's passing. As a physician myself, I was very aware of his special gifts of caring and compassion. As a new mom 25 years ago, he was there to meet my first born at the hospital and then later my second son. I enjoyed hearing of the births of his two daughers close in age to mine. I clearly trusted his medical judgement, but more importantly his ability to connect to his patients in such a caring way. He will truly be missed by so many of us. My heart and best wishes go out to Randi, Julianne, and Amanda.
Marilyn Alpenfels
January 10, 2008
We too loved Dr. Van Wieren. Our hearts go out to his family and co-workers who must miss him very much. One of my fondest memories of an office vist was when my son was two months old. He slept through the night just prior to his check up. Dr. Van Wieren looked me and my husband square in the eye and said "don't mess this up, turn off the monitor, close the door and leave the kid alone so he can sleep!" For that and countless other great bits of advice we loved him.
God bless.
The Alpenfels
The Trenkle Family
January 10, 2008
Our hearts are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear Dr. Van Wieren. We had hoped to raise our children under his caring guidance. He always made us laugh, always made the kids feel at ease and ALWAYS left the room when shots were administered! :)
For 13 years he has guided our young family through sickness and health with his dry sense of humor and wit.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad, sad time.
With Gratitude and Respect
Bill and Crystal Trenkle
Margot, Eric, Paul, Catherine and Michael Hedlin
January 10, 2008
Dr Van Wieren cared for our three children for nearly 15 years. He was not only an outstanding doctor, he was a very kind and caring person; someone we grew very quickly to like and rely on. Whenever we saw Ken we knew we could count on him to quickly and correctly diagnose our children’s health problem and set our minds at ease. Our kids looked up to him with great respect. We will all miss him very much.
Martin Gilboa, M.D.
January 10, 2008
Wonderful colleague and nature lover. Always enjoyed encountering Ken on early morning runs in the San Elijo Lagoon.
Rebecca Flynn
January 10, 2008
Dr. Van Weiren was so special to our family and friends. I referred many of my friends to him, we all loved him. Our hearts go out to his family and staff.
Ortenza Sanchez
January 10, 2008
Dr. Van Wieren you will be greatly missed. Thank you so much for taking such great care of my daughter Marilinda. You were very kind and so patient, I don't think I could have picked a better pediatrician to care for my child. It's sad that you had to leave this life so early, but I know you are in a much better place caring for the baby angels in heaven now. We will miss you very much. Always in our hearts, The Ventura Family.
Maja Walker
January 10, 2008
Dear Van Wieren Family,
Dr. Ken took care of my 3 sons all their lives. He was always kind, patient, thoughtful in every possible way, pleasant, and virtuous. He never made fun of my stupid questions. We are all shocked that he has passed on. On the other hand, I know God has a very specific plan for Dr. Ken in heaven. He will continue serving children in the afterlife and have more joy there and never have any health or problem issues and will wait to greet you when the time comes. We will be at his celebration of life, and have a special gift for you that will comfort you in your time of need always. Please know that our Heavenly Father is taking good care of Dr. Ken, and that you will be together again. Love, Maja, Jared, Jacob, Jason Walker
Adrienne Elsass
January 10, 2008
As a young mom back in 1993, my son, then a newborn we went to him. Nervous about it he always assured us that I was doing a good job and gave me the extra confidence I needed. We went to him for over 12 years until we moved to Poway and up until this day we still loved him.
Diane Openshaw
January 10, 2008
I am a better nurse and person because of you. We started working together almost 27 years ago and now those newborns are having families of their own. I will always hear your laughter and see your smiling face when I think of you. You made life fun! You taught me so much about kids. The years that we worked together were the best years of my career. You will be missed my dear friend, but you will always have a place in my heart. The world was a better place with you in it. You made a difference for so many families including mine. Love, Diane
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How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kenneth Van Wieren's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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