Johannes “John” VanLeeuwen, 75, of Danbury passed away on March 10, 2024. Born in Indonesia before moving to the Netherlands, Johannes immigrated to the United States with family in 1960. Johannes graduated from Henry Abbott Tech High School before being drafted into the Navy. Johannes served in Vietnam and was stationed at Pearl Harbor Naval Station in Hawaii before being honorably discharged and returning to Danbury.
Johannes was a simple man who loved spending his free time working on his cars, talking about airplanes, going boating, and talking about his time in the Navy. Spending time with his granddaughter, “Opa” as he was known, made him extremely happy. Johannes also cherished spending time with his close group of friends. Johannes exhibited a kindness and loyalty that is hard to find and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He will also be missed by his beloved animals.
Johannes is preceded in death by his father, Pieter VanLeeuwen, and sister, Suzanna N. VanLeeuwen. He is survived by his mother, Nicolina VanLeeuwen, his beloved wife of 50 years, Susan (Springael) and daughter Melissa Schindelar (John Schindelar); his sisters Cornelia Hunt (Douglas Hunt) and Magdalena Vaichus (Andrew Vaichus); a beloved granddaughter, Madison Klemenz; his nephews Robert VanLeeuwen (Sunny VanLeeuwen) and Michael Shail; his niece Jennifer Walkup (Mike Walkup); and great-nieces Keanna VanLeeuwen and Arianna VanLeeuwen. He also leaves behind a beloved brother-in-law, Charlie Springael; sister-in-law, Melda Springael and niece, Mei (Mike Phengsavath) and nephews; Clarence and Charlsen Springael.
Visitation for Johannes will be held Monday, March 18, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT. Words will remembrance in coordination with Naval Military Honors will immediately follow.
