Henry “Van” Van Maele, 88, of Lee’s Summit, MO, died August 25, 2018. Van was born April 17, 1930, in Independence, MO, to George and Mary (Boutte) Van Maele. Van was a graduate of William Chrisman High School class of 1948. He served in the Navy during the Korean War. Van was owner/operator of Van’s Disposal serving Independence, Lee’s Summit, and Kansas City for over 20 years. He sold the business to Deffenbaugh Disposal and retired early. Always genial, Van stayed active over the years. He loved gardening and was known to plant up to 800 tomato plants at a time. Van worked a variety of “retirement” jobs until his passing, mainly in grocery store produce departments. Van was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Rosemary (Casey) Van Maele, his sister, Mary Alice Stock, and brother, George Van Maele.
Van is survived by a son Kevin (Tandie) Van Maele of Lee’s Summit; two grandchildren, Ryan (Brittany) Van Maele and Emily (Shane) Robinett; both of Lee’s Summit; three great grandchildren, Haley, Weston, Olivia; and a sister, Frances Stoecklein, of Independence, MO, and many nieces and nephews. Rosary will be on Thursday, August 30th 5:30 pm, visitation 6-8 pm at Noland Rd Chapel: 509 S. Noland Rd. Independence, MO. Funeral Mass will be Friday, August 31st, 11 am. at St. Mark’s Catholic Church: 3736 S. Lee’s Summit Rd.Independence, MO. Interment immediately following in Floral Hills Cemetery: 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, contributions for Weston’s Warriors may be sent to: Fight Dirty Foundation, 2413 SW Rustic Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64082 (Checks payable to Fight Dirty Foundation), Paypal: www.paypal.me/fightdirty18. Indicate gift for Weston Robinett.
