Mr. John D. Van Fleet Sr., 90, of Galesburg, died at 12:53 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.
He was born January 24, 1932, the son of Aden and Lois (Brashear) Van Fleet. He married Marilyn Zugg on November 1, 1953, in Galesburg.
In addition to his wife of 68 years, he is also survived by his three sons, John Van Fleet Jr. of Rocky River, Ohio, James (Kathy) Van Fleet of The Villages, Florida, and Joseph (Shannon) Van Fleet of Peoria; eight grandchildren, Rachel (Elliott) Rouse, Meryl (Bryan) Baskin, Christine Van Fleet, Erin Van Fleet, James Van Fleet, Austin Burns, Jocelyn Van Fleet and Ethan Van Fleet; four great grandchildren, Levi Baskin, Phoebe Baskin, Owen Rouse, and Arlo Rouse; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters.
John was born in Maquon, Illinois, but lived in Galesburg since 1944. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1950, where he was an outstanding baseball player.
John served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. He was awarded a Bronze Star, United Nations Service Medal, and a Purple Heart. He was a member of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285.
John was a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service for 37 years, retiring in 1990. He was a proud union member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and his work record was rewarded with membership into the U.S. Postal Service Million Mile Club. John also served as a school bus driver and delivered Meals on Wheels.
John loved baseball. He served as the President of the Galesburg Little league and coached his sons throughout their playing days. John rarely missed watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and he especially enjoyed when the Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs. John also enjoyed playing golf at Bunker Links with his best buddies and playing a rousing game of cards with friends.
John and Marilyn were members of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2022 at the chapel with Rev. Carrie Carnes officiating. Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to OSF Hospice. Online condolences for the family may be made on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
