Albert “Van” Van Hemelryck was called home by the Lord on November 15, 2022, nine years to the day after his wife of 53 years, Mary Jane (Lar). His wallet contained a worn wedding picture he carried with him for past 62 years.
Van was raised on the family farm in Hysham, MT, the son of and Peter and Clarice (DeCock) Van Hemelryck, both of whom emigrated from Belgium. There he developed a love for hunting, fishing, and working on all things mechanical. The Korean War compelled him to follow in his father’s footsteps, a WWI hero, and he joined the Air Force in 1950, serving on a Sabre jet crew stationed in England.
After the military, Van graduated from THE Montana State University in Agricultural Economics and eventually settled in Miles City, MT where he managed the Farm Credit Services branch. He also owned a 40-acre farm where he and his family spent many happy hours. After an attempt at retirement failed, Van returned to work for the Farm Credit Services in Klamath Falls, OR, but another chapter was finally added as an Agricultural Representative for a local bank. Van was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City and served on the school board.
Van was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters Mary Lou Kimball and Patsy Manning, and his brother Robert. He is survived by his three sons, Thomas and wife Jean Ann of Meridian, ID, Michael and wife Kim of Eagle, ID, and Jon of Klamath Falls, OR. He has three grandchildren, Matthew, Bradly, and Jacob, and one great-grandchild (so far), Corbin.
During his final years, he remained inseparable from a very special friend and companion, Colleen Sherer. Van drove until the age of 89, and they were frequently seen going to dinner and a movie. Together they showed that no matter the stage of life, there can be gifts waiting for us again.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Drive, Garden City, ID 83714. Pastor Mike Maudlin of True Hope Collister Church will officiate the ceremony. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
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Pat Sherer says
November 28, 2022 at 8:07 pmTom, Mike and families,
Our condolences to you all with the passing of Al. He was an amazing man with an amazing heart. He took such great care of Mom and was such a blessing to our family. The girls looked up to him like he was their grandfather and he was so much fun to have over. We all miss him very much. We wish you all well during this tough time.
The Sherer’s
Pat, Renee, Ryan and Rylee
Karen says
March 18, 2023 at 10:04 pmMike, Kim, and Jake,
Just recently heard of your dad’s/grandfather’s passing. I hope many happy memories of time spent with him bring you peace and comfort during this difficult first year of living without him.