December 21, 1930 ~ January 14, 2023
Leo Franklin Van Vleet Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by love on January 14, 2023 at the age of 92 (or 93 if you asked him). Leo, or “Van” as most knew him, was born on December 21, 1930 in Oberlin, Kansas to Aleen and Leo Van Vleet Sr. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Veanna. He is survived by his wife, Josie, his brother, Eugene (Lily), children Mike (Carol), Terri Lynn (Roy), Alex (Denise), Romie (Chris) and Joann (Robert), 17 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
Leo spent his early childhood living on their family farm during the Great Depression. The family eventually moved into town where he attended Oberlin High School, excelling in academics and athletics. He enlisted in the Marines in 1950 and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954. Leo spent time studying accounting and business relations at various educational institutions including Kansas University, Arizona State University and the University of Colorado. His hobbies included word scrambles, golfing, bowling, billiards, ping-pong and horseshoes. Van loved watching, playing and talking sports, especially with his kids and grandkids. He was their biggest fan and supporter. Leo, Van, Dad, Papa will be missed dearly and forever in our hearts.
Services will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 on Saturday, January 28th at 11am. He will be laid to rest immediately following at St. Francis cemetery 2033 N 48th St. Phoenix, AZ 85008 followed by a reception at DAV Chapter #20 located at 8447 N 61st Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302.
Jennifer Munson
So sorry to hear of your loss. The family grows ever smaller and each passing is profoundly felt. It sounds like Leo left a large volume of love and memories for your family.
Rudy Ramos
Van, thank you so very much for having love and supported “all” your kids, grandkids, great grandkids, in their sporting activities for so many years. I truly enjoyed sharing some of those times with you. I thank you too for having been there in many ways for my daughter Denise. She always felt love and caring from you, I know. May you rest in peace my dear friend. You certainly have earned your place in heaven even though you will be missed terribly here on earth by so many.
Jim Sutton
I live across the street from Leo and Josie and would always wave at him when he sat outside waiting for the mail to be delivered.
Even though my family and I have lived here since 1971, we didn’t know Leo when he helped start the Metro Block Watch; it was only after he ‘retired’ from it that we/I got to know him.
A quiet, gentle, affable person and soul.
He will be greatly missed.
Karen Alliston
I was so sorry to learn of the passing of my cousin Leo van Vleet. It was comforting to read how much he was loved and respected. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May you find comfort in the sharing of memories as you celebrate his life.
Bill Van Vleet
We will miss you Uncle Leo. So glad we got to see you. Gonna miss your stories. Much love to the family.
Susan Orr
So glad I got to see my uncle Leo last month. It had been a handful of years since we got to visit in person so I know it meant a lot to both of us. He will be missed by lots of loving family members and friends.