ROY EUGENE VAN FOSSEN

Roy Van Fossen

Roy Eugene Van Fossen, 87, died Nov. 3, 2021, at Grand View Memory Care in Peoria.

He was born Aug. 3, 1934, in Ipava, a son of Clyde Van Fossen and Christina Van Fossen Shaw. He married Mary Irene Vinson in Peoria on Aug. 19, 1960, along with Irene’s four young children. Roy adopted all four children and they were truly his children.

Surviving are his wife, Irene, and children Bonita (and Chris) Dietrich of Peoria, Greg Van Fossen of Fishers, Ind., and Mike Van Fossen of Pekin; foreign exchange student, Saul Cardenas of Costa Rica; 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Philip Van Fossen; and one child, Donna Cochran.

He grew up in Ipava and graduated from VIT High School.

He started his career at Caterpillar after high school and took time out to serve in the Korean Conflict with the U.S. Army from 1954-56, when he received an honorable discharge. He continued his education while working at Caterpillar receiving an Associates Degree from Illinois Central College. At Caterpillar he moved up the ladder from the apprentice program to management, retiring in 1986.

During his retirement, he attained his dream job of teaching in Victoria, Texas, schools where he was a substitute teacher of many subjects. He enjoyed mentoring several students. He also volunteered at the Community Action Center in Victoria, serving as their computer expert.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Northwoods Community Church, 10700 North Allen Road in Peoria. Visitation will take place at the church beginning one hour prior to the service. Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be sent to www.shawgomemorialhome.org.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 11/10/2021