Norman J. Van Buren, age 95, of New Athens, IL, born December 1, 1926 in Carrolton, IL, passed away December 13, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones.
Norman loved spending time with family and spending days in his little getaway, “Norm’s Rest,” in his beloved woods. “Stormin’ Norman loved to listen to old country western music and polka music on Sundays. Norman loved his country; he was a WWII veteran and proud member of the New Athens VFW Post 7710. After the war, Norman worked as a mechanic for Mertz Motors in Millstadt, IL and later for McAteers House of Lights in East St. Louis, IL. He soon opened his own business; Kaskaskia Country Glass, where he cut and installed glass. You couldn’t keep the man down. After retiring from his glass business, he worked for the Village of New Athens and served on the board of Schickedanz Insurance. Norman lived a full and wonderful life and will be dearly missed by all.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents – John and Fredia, nee Wolf, Van Buren, father and mother-in-law – Leonard and Matilda, nee Vogel, Kunkelmann, two grandchildren – Ryan and Bryan Reuss, sister – Florence Viet and her husband Melvin, brother – Harvey Van Buren and his wife – the former Helen Stiffler.
Surviving is the love of his life, dance partner and loving devoted wife of 70 years – LaVerne, nee Kunkelmann, Van Buren, who he married on September 1, 1951 in Freeburg, IL, a daughter – Donna Marie (Rich) Reuss of New Athens, IL, one granddaughter – Jennifer (Kevin) McDonald, two great grandchildren – Aidan and Kendall McDonald, all of New York, one sister – Esther (Herman) Koledhoff of Millstadt, IL and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested the memorials to be made to the family by purchasing a Poppy during the visitation times.
Condolences to the family maybe expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com.
Visitation: Visiting hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday December 17, 2021 and again from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday December 18, 2021 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL.
VFW Post 7710 will be conducting a ritual at the funeral home on Friday at 5 p.m.
Funeral: Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday December 18, 2021 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL with Rev. Dr. Robert Koch officiating. Entombment will follow at Valhalla Gardens Mausoleum in Belleville, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
My uncle, my Dad’s brother both gone so close together…the stories they told about their childhood. They had a good life and that was a blessing we can’t forget. I know they’re with all their relatives they missed and in God’s great eternal care now till we see them again.
ReplyTy for your service. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Van Buren family during this difficult time. God Bless 🙏🏻
ReplyI was very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Norm Van Buren and especially as we approach the holidays. Reading about his life he sure filled his life with family, great memories for those he left behind and a life that had purpose. He and his wife having 70 years together was wonderful. Donna I am terrible sorry for the loss of your father.
ReplyI am sorry to hear of Mr Van Buren’s passing. But reading his obit, I see that he lived a full and rewarding life, with many memories having been made with his service (thank so much for your service), his work, and with home life and family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. 💕
ReplyTo all the Van Buren family and especially to Donna: My deepest sympathy to you and sincere hope that happy memories of a life well-lived will help you through this difficult time. I will always remember Norman’s great pride in his fam
ReplyDonna, I am so very sorry about the loss of your dad. You are in my prayers. Peace to you and your family.
ReplyMy thoughts and prayers are with you Donna & Laverne at this sad time. He was a wonderful man and proud of his country. Likewise, we are proud of him! I will miss him at the family reunions!
ReplyAunt Laverne I wish I could gently hug you, and express how wonderful you and uncle Norman were lovingly present in my life! You filled the gap that my father left empty. For health reasons I am not able to be present….but I am with you and Donna in spirit. I love you.
ReplyLaVerne, Mary Lou called to let me know that Norman had passed, but then I didn’t hear anything so I was unaware of the wake and funeral. I should have checked the internet sooner but I did not, so I apologize for not being there. I should have been!! My husband Harlan died 12 years ago in July and his brother the following August. A similar situation. This will be a big change in your life. Hopefully you will adjust soon. God’s blessings!! Irene
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LaVerne, Mary Lou called to let me know that Norman had passed, but then I didn’t hear anything so I was unaware of the wake and funeral. I should have checked the internet sooner but I did not, so I apologize for not being there. I should have been!! My husband Harlan died 12 years ago in July and his brother the following August. A similar situation. This will be a big change in your life. Hopefully you will adjust soon. God’s blessings!! Irene
Aunt Laverne I wish I could gently hug you, and express how wonderful you and uncle Norman were lovingly present in my life! You filled the gap that my father left empty. For health reasons I am not able to be present….but I am with you and Donna in spirit. I love you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Donna & Laverne at this sad time. He was a wonderful man and proud of his country. Likewise, we are proud of him! I will miss him at the family reunions!
Donna, I am so very sorry about the loss of your dad. You are in my prayers. Peace to you and your family.
To all the Van Buren family and especially to Donna: My deepest sympathy to you and sincere hope that happy memories of a life well-lived will help you through this difficult time. I will always remember Norman’s great pride in his fam
I am sorry to hear of Mr Van Buren’s passing. But reading his obit, I see that he lived a full and rewarding life, with many memories having been made with his service (thank so much for your service), his work, and with home life and family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. 💕
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Norm Van Buren and especially as we approach the holidays. Reading about his life he sure filled his life with family, great memories for those he left behind and a life that had purpose. He and his wife having 70 years together was wonderful. Donna I am terrible sorry for the loss of your father.
Ty for your service. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Van Buren family during this difficult time. God Bless 🙏🏻
My uncle, my Dad’s brother both gone so close together…the stories they told about their childhood. They had a good life and that was a blessing we can’t forget. I know they’re with all their relatives they missed and in God’s great eternal care now till we see them again.