Kathleen L. (Norris) Van Leer

Kathleen L. (Norris) Van Leer, 92, of Springfield, passed away at 4:35 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at Heritage Health. Kathleen was born August 21, 1925 in Bloomington, the daughter of Edward J. and Josephine Clifford Norris. She married George F. Van Leer on September 18, 1948 at St. Josephs Church; he preceded her in death in 1970. Kathleen graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1943. She went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Nursing from St. Johns School of Nursing, and a Masters Degree in Gerontology from Sangamon State. Kathleen worked at HSHS St. Johns as a nurse, and faculty of St. Johns School of Nursing, retiring in 1992. She was a member of Church of the Little Flower, Third Age Living, and St. Johns Retirees Board. She enjoyed painting and her family. She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, John, James, and Kenneth Norris; and six sisters, Bernadine Norris, Margaret Treat, Marilyn Brown, Mary Jo Kundson, Patricia Hartman, and Dorothy Cox. She is survived by her five sons, Kenneth Van Leer of Springfield, Ronald (wife, Melinda) Van Leer of Indianapolis, IN, Thomas (wife, Joanne) Van Leer of Sherman, Jim (wife, Cheryl) Van Leer of Springfield, John (wife, Debbie) Van Leer of Kevil, KY; daughter, Judith (husband, Tom) Benjamin of Hoopeston; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren; two sisters in law, Emme and Joan Norris; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at Church of the Little Flower, with Rev. Allen M. Kemme celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703 or HSHS St. Johns College Dept of Nursing, 800 E Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769.