Virgil D Van Schoonhoven

Virgil Van Schoonhoven was born to Ackley and Ruth (Crawford) Van Schoonhoven on September 24, 1931 in Dorsey, Nebraska. He passed away January 11, 2018 at the age of 86. Virgil moved to Pomona, California with his family when he was 5. While he was in the Air Force he married Joyce (Chase). He served his country honorably at home and in Korea. Virgil moved to Modesto in 1965 to raise his family. His family was his most valued accomplishment.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joyce Van Schoonhoven. His children: Duane Van Schoonhoven of Australia, Howard Van Schoonhoven (Cindy) of Fresno, Ruthie Treichel (Jim) of Modesto and Leanne Mason (Mike) of Modesto. His grandchildren: Celeste Fama (Kevin), Matthew Jenkins (Sara), Ryan Jackson, Drew Van Schoonhoven, Joseph Jackson, Phillip Jenkins, Chase Van Schoonhoven (Jennifer), James Van Schoonhoven, Andrew Jenkins, Alicia Van Schoonhoven, Adrian Treichel, Michelle Bauknecht (Austin) and Michael Mason (Amber) and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 3 sisters, Henrietta Chartier, Esther Alger and Jeanie Morris Wells.
Community service was important to Virgil. He was involved with the Boys Scouts for 9 years including serving as Scoutmaster. When his grandchildren were in elementary school, he would bring his traffic signal to school to teach the kindergarten classes about traffic safety and helped in classrooms and with the PTA. He was known as "grandpa" at Standiford Elementary School for many years. He loved to watch his Grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports. If one of them was playing there was a good chance he would be there watching and cheering.
Virgil was an electrician with the City of Modesto, retiring in 1991. Virgil loved his family and friends; he was always available to help anyone that needed help. He loved to play cards and always enjoyed it when family would come over and play. Virgil was laid to rest on January 18, 2018 at Lakewood Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 17, 2018 at La Loma Grace Church – 1315 La Loma Avenue, Modesto, California at 11:00AM. Donations can be made in Virgil's memory to your favorite charity .