John W. Van Hoesen

John William Van Hoesen of Peoria, Illinois, died Monday, October 29, 2007 at the age of 92. John is survived by his wife, Helen, of 66 years. John was born July 6, 1915, in Saugerties, New York, and was promoted to the presence of Christ the morning of Monday, October 29. The son of John and Maude (West) Van Hoesen, he grew up in Scotia, New York, and graduated from Scotia High School. He briefly attended the University of Michigan before attending and graduating from the New York State Merchant Marine Academy in New York City in 1939. John’s intent was to travel the world on merchant vessels, but instead, he became a riverboat captain with the Central Barge Line, later the Mississippi Valley Barge Line Co. On April 26, 1941, John married Helen Ruth Schroeder, whom he had met at Scotia Junior High School. John and Helen settled in the Peoria, Illinois area shortly after their marriage, where he and his wife spent their entire married life, raising five children in East Peoria. John piloted riverboats as a Captain for the same company for 39 years, working mostly on the Illinois Waterway, but also on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. He retired in 1980, but kept active with former river colleagues in the Rivermen’s Association. John and Helen loved camping with their family and because his work schedule on the river entitled him to extended time off, the family was able to enjoy long vacations together, once visiting national parks throughout the western United States on a memorable 8-week vacation. The family was involved in trailering for nearly 40 years with the Wally Byam International Airstream Travel Club, attending numerous trailer rallies in the Midwest, but also traveling extensively, including three trips to Mexico and nearly a dozen to Alaska. John and Helen were active members of The Salvation Army church, attending the Peoria Citadel Corps with their family while in the Peoria area. John dabbled in photography in his early years and developed his own film; he always loved the latest electronic gadgets. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his five children: John Van Hoesen of Anchorage, Alaska; William (Janette) Van Hoesen of Alton, Illinois; Robert (Dana) Van Hoesen of Gays Mills, Wisconsin; Gary (Donna) Van Hoesen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Susan (Ron) Hatfield of Loves Park, Illinois. He is survived by seven grandchildren: Jason Van Hoesen, Joshua Van Hoesen, Jonathan (Crysta) Van Hoesen, David (Carrie) Van Hoesen, John (Andria) Hatfield, Diane (Tim) Buller, and Marie Van Hoesen, as well as three great-grandchildren: Seth, Jaden and eight-day old Aseph, born on October 20. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Jessie (Clif) Sipley and a nephew, Ken (Mary) Sipley, and other family members. John was preceded in death by his parents; John and Maude (West) Van Hoesen and his only sister, Margaret Van Hoesen. John was solid and trustworthy and dependable and good with his hands. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Deiters Funeral Home, 444 East Washington Street in East Peoria, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on November 2 followed by a funeral service at the Funeral Home. Major Darryl Leedam of The Salvation Army will be officiating. Burial will be in the Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Salvation Army Corps of Angoon, Alaska, Chatham Road and Church Street, Angoon, Alaska 99820.

John W. Van Hoesen

July 6, 1915 - October 29, 2007