Mr. Wendell L. Van Fleet, 82, of Galesburg, passed away at 2:25 AM, Friday, July 21, 2023, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg, Illinois.
Wendell was born in Plymouth, Illinois on February 1, 1941, the son of William “Bill” Daniel Van Fleet and Eula Mae Downey. They moved to Galesburg when Wendell was a young child where he eventually attended Galesburg High School, graduating with the class of 1959. Following high school Wendell enlisted and served in the Navy from 1959 to 1961.
After the Navy, he met the love of his life Bonnie K. Anderson in 1969 while working for Dick Blick. They fell in love and married the next year on June 19, 1970, at the First Christian Church in Galesburg.
Wendell worked for over 30 years with Butler Manufacturing as a Maintenance Forman before his retirement in 2003. He was an ornery man who was always quick with a joke and knew how to make others laugh. In his younger years, he loved to race and ride motorcycles. He had a passion for baseball that followed him throughout his whole life. Whether that meant coaching baseball with his son when he was a boy, watching games at the local American Legion, to even just sitting outside enjoying the weather with a baseball game on the radio. He always made sure to attend all of his grandchildren’s games and events, no matter the distance. Wendell enjoyed spending his time outdoors, especially if it was fishing or golfing.
Wendell is survived by his wife of 53 years Bonnie, his children, Ronnie (Cindy) Van Fleet of Davenport, Iowa, Danny (Michelle) Van Fleet of O’Fallon, Illinois, and Wendi (Ron) Paschal of Galesburg. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Jo.
Cremation has been accorded. No Services are to be held at this time. The family is planning a celebration of life at a later date. Memorials may be made to The American Legion of Galesburg. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Homes of Galesburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
