Paul Louis Van Der Hoeven

Growing up in Detroit, he and his younger brother Dennis were inseparable. Paul's friendships were significant, many lasting his entire lifetime. Paul saw significant value in people and relationships, with some of his childhood friendships lasting a lifetime. With great respect for the military, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1961 and excelled in the structure and discipline it demanded. He was proud of the uniform and of the lasting relationships from his time in service.

Perhaps the most defining moment of his life came on June 6, 1963 when he met Judy on a blind date. She was struck by his sparkling eyes, and he was taken with her warmth. They married the next year on June 20, 1964, beginning a partnership that lasted 61 years. Paul and Judy settled in St. Clair Shores, where they raised their four children: Paul, Michele, Lisa, and Laura, and later moved to Grosse Pointe Shores.

Paul was an astute businessman. He was dedicated, strategic, and well respected in the commercial insurance industry. He served as the President of The Allied Companies, for more than thirty years. His successful career was twofold, rooted not only in his significant business achievements but also in the lasting partnerships and friendships he cultivated along the way.

Paul’s favorite escape from work was the family cottage in northern Michigan. At the end of the school year, Judy would head north with the kids and Paul would make the roadtrip every Friday to rejoin the family. It became a weekly tradition for the kids to anxiously wait on the porch for dad to see what surprise he would bring - the most memorable being Toby, the beloved family dog of 16 years

Paul loved movies, music, making treasured photo albums and reading books. His personal library was filled with favorite biographies and history novels. He loved to learn and would often study maps and research interesting places he had discovered in books. Upon retirement he and Judy took off to explore interesting places. Their adventures included two trips around the world and more than 50 individual trips. They traveled hundreds of thousands of miles together but his heart was never far from Detroit.

Detroit sports were a part of his identity and a passion he shared with Judy – and a good excuse for a Sunday family get-together. They held Red Wings and Lions season tickets for decades and spent endless hours cheering for the Tigers together. He was a member of the Detroit Athletic Club for 45 years, where he bowled a 300 game and won the club championship. He was also a member of the Detroit Golf Club where he celebrated two hole-in-ones and three club championships. He loved the camaraderie he found in the bowling and golf leagues. These friendships were filled with laughter, great sportsmanship, and friendly wagers. He passed his love of golf onto the grandkids – - teaching all of them to play, and hosting the whole family for fourth of July tournaments at the cottage.

Paul and Judy spent their winters in Stuart Florida for thirty years. Every phone call home to the kids between December and May started with “when are you coming down?” He was an exceptional host. If Paul wasn’t on the golf course with his trusted foursomes or playing cards with his favorite neighbors, you could find him by the pool with a good book, a solid play-list, and a cold Vernors.

Paul’s greatest pride was his role as a husband, father and grandfather. He exemplified kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. He mastered the art of meaningful conversation and was a constant source of wisdom and guidance. Paul lived with purpose and humor, and he loved his family deeply. His legacy sits in the friends he kept, and the family that grew around him. He will be remembered with gratitude and with love.

Paul was welcomed into heaven by parents, Remi Van Der Hoeven, and Thaddeus and Patricia Wandor as well as his brother, Dennis Van Der Hoeven.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; cherished children, Paul (Heidi) Van Der Hoeven, Michele Loeffler, Lisa Campbell (George), and Laura Donoghue (Scott); adored grandchildren, Eryn, Emily, Megan (Patrick), Lauren, Bradley, Avery, Ashley, Nathan, Shane, Braden, Margot, Patrick, and Meagan; and dear great-grandchildren, Viviane and Aubrey. His sister Mary (Tim) Rey, his brother David (Mary Ann) Wandor; and his best little buddy, Scooter.

A visitation will be held at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, located at 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, 48236, on December 10, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a rosary to occur at 7pm.

He will be instate at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Greater Mack Ave, St Clair Shores, MI, 48080, on December 11, 2025, at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.