Gerald D. Van Arsdale

Gerald D. "VAN" Van Arsdale, U.S. Navy (WW II Veteran) VAN ARSDALE, age 91, of Columbus, OH, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Monday, September 12, 2016. Van was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Peggy J. Deskins Van Arsdale. He is survived by his loving and devoted children, James David Van Arsdale of North Fort Myers, FL, Susan Van Arsdale Woodbury (Troy D. Woodbury, Jr.) of Lawrenceville, NJ, Kathleen Van Arsdale May (Jeffrey Allen May) of Worthington,OH; grandchildren include Trevor DeVan Woodbury of Arlington, VA, Amy Clair Stringfield (Jason Corey Stringfield) of Cumming, GA, Joshua Van Arsdale May of Columbus, OH, Justin Allen May of Worthington, OH; great grandchildren include Mason Bryce and Grayson Cole Stringfield of Cumming, GA; many well loved nieces and nephews and special friend Rita Kimball. Van was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 12, 1925, the 5th child of Mrs. Mary Estelle Canary and Thomas Jefferson Van Arsdale. He graduated from Central High School in Columbus, Ohio where he was a cheerleader and has attended many of their reunions over the years. Van served our country in World War II, Signal Man 3rd Class, U.S. Navy stationed in Panama, where he worked on Blimps. Van (Gerald) and his identical twin brother George enlisted in the Navy on their 18th birthdays. They parted the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in July 1943 after boot camp and they were never together again. George perished at sea. Van participated in several Honor Flights and visited the WWII Memorial and taught several high school classes about his WW II service.

On December 19, 1945 he married Peggy Jim Deskins. He was a Sales Manager with Prudential Life Insurance Company for 28 years, winning multiple awards for high sales achievement. Van was known as a civic leader and his service to his community and other volunteer works extended throughout Columbus. Van served as a Key Fundraiser for the Northeast Lions Club, securing ads for their newspaper for many years. Colonel Van Arsdale was a commissioned Kentucky Colonel, an honorary commission given by the state of Kentucky to individuals noted for their public service and their work for the advancement of Kentucky. Van, in his years with the Airstream Club, brought many Airstream caravans to tour Kentucky. In later years, Van was active in the Ostomy Club and one of his greatest loves was playing Santa at Christmas for family and friends.

He is deeply loved and missed by many friends and family located in Ohio and Florida who are privileged that he chose to share his beautiful, high energy life with us. The family wishes to extend their most sincere thanks to all our friends for their support.

Visitation is Friday, September 16: 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm At Schoedinger Funeral Home, 6699 High St, Columbus, OH 43085. Phone: (614) 848-6699

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, September 17th at 11am at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel, 9571 N High St, Lewis Center, OH 43035 with Fr. James Ogurchock Officiating.