Van S. Spanski

Of Jackson, passed away very peacefully at the age of 91, on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 in Hospice care. Van was born December 31, 1922 to Piotr and Theophia Szczepanski. He attended St. Stanislaus grade school, graduated eighth grade enabling him to read and write in both Polish and English. He graduated Jackson High School in 1941. He served in the Army from January 27, 1943 to April 19, 1946, stationed in Germany as part of the "Rail-splitters" 84th Infantry Division. Upon his honorable discharge, he was in the reserves for nine years and became a licensed barber. He married Loretta Pawlak on April 3, 1948 at St. John's Catholic Church where they were members for many years. They had their own barber and beauty shop prior to raising their family. Van became an insurance agent for the Allstate Insurance Company. He began as general agent working out of the basement of the old Sears store, then as an independent agent with an office on Greenwood Avenue. He retired after thirty-five years. Van will be sadly missed by his children, Cheryl (Daniel) McMullen of Grand Rapids, Maria (Duane) Wellman of Parma and Van G. Spanski of Jackson as well as his sister, Thelma Biernat of Michigan Center. Van was the grandfather of nine and had thirteen great grandchildren; he is also survived by nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. In addition to his parents, his wife, Loretta and his brother, Adam, Van was also preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas and Daughter, Corrine. Van was always a "people person". He could enter a room as a stranger and leave with a group of new friends. He enjoyed his polish heritage, loved dancing to and listening to live or recorded polkas. He traveled to Poland multiple times to meet and revisit family. He remained faithful and fervent in his Roman Catholic faith. He was still able to make the sign of the cross even when he was too weak to raise a spoon. He remained a great conversationalist to the end, giving comfort to other families in the Bethany Hospice Care Facility. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service is to be set at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Catholic Church. www.chasjburden.com

Chas. J. Burden & Son Funeral Home

1806 E. Michigan Avenue

Jackson, MI 49202