A proud WWII Navy veteran, Van passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, after a long and wonderful life of 98 years. He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Mary Blanche Peltier Marchand (“his Sweetheart”), his parents Edmond and Althea Marchand, and his siblings, Weldom Marchand, Sybil Marchand Blades, and Berdie Lou Marchand Wintz.
Van started his career as a lineman for Dixie Electric. From there he went to WAFB Channel 9; in the 1950s he worked as the chief engineer on the station’s master control, turning the station on at 5AM. He retired with 38 years of service. He was a member of IBEW, ARRL, and was one of the original members of the St Gabriel Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council #3796.
After retirement he had many hobbies, but the one that meant so much to him was the making of rosaries and donating them to churches and missions around the world. He started making rosaries in 1976 and by the end of his lifetime mission he made in excess of 18,000 rosaries.
It was always a dream for Van and Mary Blanche to travel with their children. They not only traveled to 48 states in the United States but were also able to take their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to Disneyworld for many years. Spending time with their family was their ultimate joy!
Van is survived by his children and their spouses, Merlin Marchand, Jr (Emily), Deborah Marchand-Lewis (Marlon), and Stephen Marchand (Cheryl); grandchildren, Kristi Marchand, Patrick Marchand, Laurin (J.R. Guadiana), Rachel (Mickey Hensley), Kaitlyn (Mike Confer), Jason Marchand (April), Chelsea Marchand Marcos (Serks); great grandchildren; Ava, Delilah, and Emily Hensley, Roman and Phoenix Guadiana, Ben and Harrison Confer, Hannah, Elliot, and Miles Marchand.
Many thanks to his daughter Debbie who lovingly cared for him for many years; his faithful friends, Todd and Gabbie Husers; his friends in Christ – Lance, Richard, Lenny, Tim; and his spiritual advisor Father Charles “Charlie” Landry.
Special thanks to The Hospice of Baton Rouge for their compassionate care of Van.
Visitation and Rosary will be at St Gabriel Catholic Church on Sunday, April 30 from 5:00PM - 7:00PM. Visitation will resume at the church Monday, May 1 at 9:00AM to 11:00AM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11AM with Rev. Charles R. Landry and Rev. Jon C. Koehler co-celebrating. Interment at St. Gabriel Catholic Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Merlin J. Marchand, Jr, Stephen A. Marchand, Jason A. Marchand, Chelsea Marchand Marcos, Patrick D. Marchand, Marlon B. Lewis, Todd Husers, Mickey Hensley, and J.R. Guadiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the renovation of the Old St. Gabriel Catholic Church - 3625 Highway 75, St. Gabriel, Louisiana 70776
Rabenhorst Funeral Home and Crematory in charge of arrangements.
