James Raymond Van Heirseele, Sr. was born August 15, 1931 in McHenry, Il to Raymond and Laura (Michels) Van Heirseele. He passed away on February 25, 2017.
He was a lifelong resident of Waukegan and graduated from Waukegan Township HS in 1949.
He served in the Army during the Korean conflict.
Jim married the love of his life, Mary Ryan on Oct 5, 1957 at Immaculate Conception in Waukegan.
He was a member of Plumbers Local 93 (currently local 130). Upon retirement, he became the Plumbing Inspector for the Village of Libertyville. After retirement from Libertyville, he enjoyed traveling to visit family and trips through the Norstates Bank Ambassadors Club.
His hobbies included bowling, softball, perch fishing, gardening, golf and euchre.
He was his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan in all their endeavors and activities.
He was a member of the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, VFW, American Legion and Moose organizations.
He is survived by his Wife, Mary. 10 children: Kathy (Dale) Paavilainen, Tom, Jim, Joe, Teresa (Perry) Miller, Michele (Art) Crowley, Maureen (Kevin Wenzel), Karyn (Alan) Hughes, Kevin (Darleen), Eileen (Rick) Broske. 19 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grand Daughter, and 2 siblings, Don (Melanie) and Barb (Durrell) Johnson
He was preceded in death by his parents, Step-Mother, Harriet, and brothers, Wayne and Ken and a son-in-law Michael Dawson.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Alexian Brothers Hospital, Kindred Hospice and the Waukegan Pavilion for their support and care for Jim and his family.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 1 from 4-8 at Gurnee Salata Funeral Home. Services will be at Immaculate Conception Church in Waukegan at 10:00AM, Thursday, March 2. Interment to follow at Ascension Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.
|