Bernard Gabriel Van Leeuwen

After too many poker games to count against St. Peter, our Dad, stubborn as ever, won his way into heaven. Born in tiny town Kansas in 1932, the son of a sometime cattle farmer, horse peddler and gambler, Dad learned the art of the deal. And deal he did! His career began as the doorman for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. Ambitions noticed, he was promoted into sales for their Chicago territory, leading to ownership with his then wife Eleanor, of Hallmark Cards’ third largest, national chain of 23 retails stores. The Hall of Cards. We joked that Dad was the starter, his hard-working family were the finishers. He has three children who benefited from dad’s many talents in business, negotiations, love of friendship and God, work ethic and testimonial of a simple yet in-depth journey of life. There were, however, a few of dad’s traits we choose not to imbibe! His favorites were his princess daughters, Elisa Duncan and Laura Coons with his son Steve Van Leeuwen, a distant third. We all wanted for nothing, taking comfort that dad was always there for gentle wisdoms and proud smiles. Gifting Dad were his grandchildren Lydia, Sarah and Tyler, Dad’s greatest success, in a life of many. His four amazing siblings, Joe, Sis, Father Joe who are deceased and Roddy who is still living. Other beloved sons and daughter are Doug Duncan and Johnny Coons and Sherrall Van Leeuwen. He loved his nieces Kim, Joyce and Debbie, and nephews Rich and Denny and families as if they were his own children and he was adored by all. His life companion Jeannie Rose gave him years of happiness, hope and promised love. The Stonecroft nursing team and Premier Hospice team were simply wonderful. Thank you all. So, goodbye for now Dad. Thank you for your life examples, thank you for your dedication to us seen and unseen, thank you for giving us your sweet time these later years. We are strong, we are independant, we are successful, we are stubborn, we are God fearing and we are loved… as you planned us to be. Well done! May all his friends, most of whom are sitting with him at a poker table by our Lord, raise a bourbon Manhattan to Ben Van Leeuwen and sing his life’s song, Frank Sinatra’s, “I Did It My Way!” We Love You, Your Kids. A memorial mass will be scheduled in the near future when we are allowed to gather again safely together. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

Bernard Gabriel Van Leeuwen

July 18, 1932 - March 29, 2020