Mr. Theodore Van Galen
July 10, 1928 – November 3, 2019
Theodore “Ted” Van Galen, 91, of Naples, Florida, passed away on November 3, 2019 after a lengthy illness. The son of William and Tiene (Vande Slunt) Van Galen, Ted Van Galen was born July 10, 1928, in the Township of Alto, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. As a young man, Ted helped out on the family farm until he joined the Air Force during World War II. He served in the 28th Communications Squadron on Okinawa and received the WW II Victory Medal and Japanese Army of Occupation Medal. Ted was honorably discharged in April of 1949. On May 2, 1950, he married Beverly June Buteyn in Waupun, Wisconsin. They raised four children in Waupun and later moved to Beaver Dam and to Green Lake, Wisconsin, and then to Texas, Montana, Georgia, and Florida. Ted is survived by his children Linda (Jim) Neumann of Naples, Florida; David (Jane) Van Galen of Seattle, Washington; and Renee Schmidt of Cumming, Georgia. He is also survived by three sister-in-laws Lois Miller of Waupun, Wisconsin; Elaine (Elliot) Tanis of Holland, Michigan; and Margaret (Blair) Boggs of Cornelius, North Carolina; and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beverly, his wife of 64 years, his daughter Valerie (Daryl) Van Oort of Helena, Montana; siblings Henrietta Aalsma, Bertha Towne, Alice Van Loo, Harriet Giebink, Garrit Van Galen, Delmar Van Galen and Wilbert Van Galen. Ted appreciated nature and music with his wife Beverly. Renting a cottage on lakes in northern Wisconsin with his wife and children were memorable vacations. A long time employee of Fred Reuping Leather Company, he later enjoyed his career as a book and gift store co-owner with his wife in Waupun. Ted will be remembered for his deep and life-long Christian faith. Keeping with Ted’s wishes, his remains will be donated to a Medical University in lieu of a funeral. Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Support Network of Naples Florida.
Mary Vannoy
November 7, 2019, 11:18 pm
Dear Linda, Jim and family,
I was blessed to know both your mother and father. They were both very fine people.
These times can be difficult, if you need anything, please let me know.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Mary
Dean & Mary Van Galen
November 8, 2019, 3:12 am
Uncle Ted was the last of a very unique group of siblings. It is amazing how much they all experienced in their lifetimes. Uncle Ted was always a gentleman and a man of strong faith.
May God bring his family comfort in knowing the difference that Ted made in so many lives
Gwen McFadden
November 8, 2019, 10:03 pm
What a true Blessing it was knowing Ted. He was definitely feisty, but so loveable and sweet and super funny, I will never forget the stories he told, or the kisses that he gave and he recieved.
Many Blessing to your family, I am her if you need anything.
Gail Tomko
November 13, 2019, 12:39 pm
Michael and I had the privilege of knowing your mom and dad in their middle years as well as in their latter. What I remember most about Bev was her generous, kind, and loving spirit. She truly had a servant’s heart. Your dad Ted was a man of discipline and conviction, but had a loving heart as well. When they lived in Green Lake we would often drive up the see them and stay the night. Bev and Ted would take us all around the area they lived in; they loved nature. It was always an enjoyable time being with them. In their latter years, we as couples, both ended up living in Florida. God had a serendipitous plan in us being there. Many years prior to us living in FL Bev had asked Michael to do her funeral when she passed on, so while living in FL Michael was able to fulfill her wishes. After Bev’s passing, I was able to spend some precious time with Ted reminiscing and getting to know each other. Bev and Ted will always have a special place in our hearts, and we know they are in a good place, together.