Eugene Gerrit Van Deslunt
Eugene Gerrit Van Deslunt, 88, of Fond du Lac, died Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at the Hospice Home of Hope. He was born April 19, 1925, at St. Agnes Hospital, the son of Gerrit and Ruby Evenson Van Deslunt. He graduated from Goodrich High School in June of 1943, and entered military service in July of the same year. He was sent to Rockford, IL for Basic Training in the Army Medical Corps. After Basic Training, he was assigned to the 85th Infantry Division at Ft. Dix, NJ. On January 1, 1944, he left the United States for the African Middle East Theatre. He left Africa on March 24, 1944 for the European Theatre. He was wounded in Italy on May 14, 1944, and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals. He was discharged on November 25, 1944 from Winter General Hospital in Topeka, KS. He married Gloria Giebel on June 22, 1946 at Immanuel Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. John H. Becker officiating. Eugene worked at Damrow Brothers for 10 years in the Cost Department, and then was employed by the US Postal Service for 32 years until his retirement in May of 1985. He was an active member of Pilgrim United Church of Christ where he served as financial secretary for over 20 years. He enjoyed bowling, camping, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren, who were his greatest joy.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria, a daughter, Gayle (John) Mandel of Fond du Lac, three sons, Gary (Jodi Soufal) Van Deslunt of Greenville, WI, Greg (Peggie) Van Deslunt of Canyon City, CO, and Garth (Nancy) Van Deslunt of Mukwonago, WI, four grandchildren, Heather, Patrick, Tammy, and Elizabeth, and five great-grandchildren, Hannah, Lukas, Tyler, Kayla, and Justin. He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Michael, and a great-grandson, Nicholas.
Visitation for Eugene Gerrit Van Deslunt will be on Monday, August 26, 2013, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 535 Stow Street, Fond du Lac. Funeral services will be at 1 PM at the church on Monday. The Rev. Drewsen will officiate and entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum. Members of Trier-Puddy American Legion Post #75 Firing Squad will conduct graveside military rites. The family requests that memorials be directed to Pilgrim United Church of Christ Sunday School. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com