Jesseford Van Kuren

Jesseford (Jeff) Van Kuren, age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on May 19, 2012. Jeff was born in New Orleans, La and resided in Metairie for the past 42 years. He is survived by daughter Penelope (Penny) Van Kuren of Nashville, TN, son Stephen Van Kuren of Metairie and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Jesseford K. Van Kuren and Christine Seiler Van Kuren and his wife Lydia Bader Van Kuren.

Jeff was a graduate of Samuel J. Peters High School where he was a member of the Band and Glee Club playing the violin. He entered into military service in 1942 where he served as a Chaplain’s Assistant at Laurinburg-Maxton Army Air Base. His last assignment during World War II was S/Sgt chief Administrator and Chaplain’s Assistant in the Chief of Chaplains of the Armed Services, AWESPAC, General McArthur’s headquarters. After the war, Jeff worked for War Assets Administration at the Naval Air Station in Algiers and then the Overseas Supply Agency at the Port of Embarkation in New Orleans. His last civilian position was Maintenance Analysis while also serving in the Air Force as a M/Sgt in the 926 Tactical Airlift Group at the Naval Air Station in Belle Chasse, La. After retiring from both civilian and military positions, Jeff became manager of the New Deal Lutheran Thrift Shop. Jeff’s passion was music and in addition to playing organ for numerous weddings and special occasions was organist and choir director for St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, then organist for St. Mark’s Lutheran and substituted at Grace Lutheran Churches. He was a member of the choir of the churches he attended and also joined the Jefferson Chorale.

Visitation will be held at Jacob Schoen Funeral Home on Tuesday evening, May 22, 2012 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. A Memorial Service to be held at Grace Lutheran Church 5800 Canal Blvd. on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 11:00 am with visitation to begin at 10:00 am at the church. Interment will be private. Donations preferred to Grace Lutheran Church. Express condolences at www.schoencanalstreet.com