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Gordon VAN LEUVEN Obituary
Spokane - Gordon Van Leuven, aged 96, passed away on January 16, 2025, in Spokane, WA. Born on April 5, 1928, Gordon was the son of Arthur and Edith Van Leuven and was raised on the family farm on Peone Prairie. He graduated from Mead High School in 1946.
In 1948, Gordon married Shirley Jolly, and together they built a life filled with love and dedication, both to each other and to their family. Gordon was drafted into the Marine Corps during the Korean War, serving from 1952 to 1954. He rejoined Cummins Diesel after he was discharged. Starting in the parts department, he quickly became Parts Manager in 1956 and continued to rise through the ranks. In 1971, he was instrumental in organizing Cummins' store in Anchorage, Alaska, before returning to Spokane in 1973. By 1978, he was promoted to Vice President of the 10-branch company. Gordon and Shirley ventured into entrepreneurship in 1983 by purchasing the assets of Spokane Truck Sales, a local Freightliner dealer. They ran the business successfully for 11 years before retiring.
Post-retirement, Gordon and Shirley enjoyed traveling across the nation and internationally, visiting friends and family, and participating in numerous community and social organizations.
Gordon is survived by his daughter, Darlene Kirk (DeWayne); and grandson, Ryan Deno, and was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; son, Doug; and daughter, Diana Deno.
A service to honor Gordon's life will be held on April 5, 2025, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, located at 9704 N. Division, Spokane, WA. Gordon's life was one of steadfast service, commitment, and community involvement, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gordon VAN LEUVEN
6 Entries
Steve and Peggy Hurd
April 17, 2025
Dear Family of Gordon-
Steve and I just saw yesterday that Gordon had passed away and it broke our hearts that we even missed his memorial. Please know we served him Meals on Meals for many years and he always came to the door with his sweet smile. He even shared his love of poetry with us, which we enjoyed. And he was always so grateful for the meals we brought him. He was a sweet and kind man and we´ll miss him very much. We hope and pray the Lord comforts you in His loss.
Msgr John M. Steiner
April 6, 2025
I grew up across the street from Shirely and Gordon. I had intended to come to the service yesterday, but I messed up. Gordy was a wonderful neighbor to my mom and dad. I wish I had been good enough to come yesterday to his servicee. Father John M Steiner
Jeffrey James Jolly
April 5, 2025
I will always have fond memories of Uncle Gordy. He was a man that I could look up to. Not only because of his 6 and a half foot stature but because of his compassion, wisdom, guidance, direction, devotion to family, sense of loyalty and commitment.
I remember one pearl of wisdom that he passed on to me was "Jeffer, you save for niceties and go in debt for necessities". Uncle Gordy was a man of practicalities and will be missed. He has very large shoes to fill.
Darlene, you are loved and appreciated. Your dad was an amazing man and he has raised a wonderful daughter to fill his shoes.
Love, Jeff along with Tracey, Josh, and Jeremiah H. Jolly
Jim peirone
April 4, 2025
I would like to attend his service but there is no time listed for Saturdays service. Could someone please respond to my email.
Thank you
State Of Washington
March 4, 2025
Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.
K
March 3, 2025
Thank you for your service Sir.
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