Elmer Ray “Van” Van Steenis passed away on December 30, 2021 at Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born October 10, 1946 to Raymond and Gertrude (De Bruin) Van Steenis. He was born at their home just outside of Pella, Iowa. He went to country schools and graduated from Pella Community High School in 1964.
After high school, he served in the United States Army as a Specialist 4 in the 1st Brigade 1st Infantry Division. He fought in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star for his brave and heroic actions taken on Nov. 7, 1967.
He loved his “home away from home,” Pit’s Cocktail Lounge. He could be found there almost daily sharing stories and beers while visiting with friends.
He married Sharon Storie, the love of his life, on Sept. 4, 1971, and they shared 50 years together. He was a loving father to their two daughters and proud “Papa” to their three granddaughters. They will remember him as someone who was hardworking, generous, and enjoyed making others laugh.
Both of his parents preceded him in death. Survivors include their two daughters Jinny (Chris) Broderick of Bluffton and CJ Thomas of Jeffersonville; along with three granddaughters Abby and Lilly of Bluffton and Hadley of Jeffersonville; and three sisters, Evelyn (Creston) Vos of Akeny, Iowa, Mary (Cecil) Pruiett of Oskaloosa, Iowa and Betty (Rich) Swank of Des Moines, Iowa. He leaves behind many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
He did not wish to have a funeral service because he could always be the one found rolling his eyes when he felt the service went too long. There may be a celebration of life held at Pit’s Cocktail Lounge in Portland on a later date. Baird-Freeman Funeral Home in Portland is handling the arrangements. Memorials can be made to the Jay County Humane Society.
Online condolences at: www.bairdfreeman.com