William VanCleef, age 92, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Friday, September 24, 2021.
William is survived by his children; Deborah (Randall Carlson) VanCleef, Dianne (John) Frankovich; grandchildren: Christopher (Andrea) Frankovich, Danielle (Alec) Takacs, Dr. Dominique (Lucas Gravell) Frankovich, Jonathan Frankovich, Cameron (Molly Wagener) VanCleef, Ali (Michael) Kassing, William (Stephanie) VanCleef III, Chad (Anne) Carlsson, Renee (Bill) Delaney; great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Shane, Owen, Hayden, Addyson, Dyllan, Nicholas, Riley, Katelyn, Sydney, James, Ethan; sisters: Charlene (Frank) Corrado, Linda (John) Ritenour; brother-in-law, Joseph (late Norma) Leone; and cousin, Bill Jackson.
William was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Josephine VanCleef (nee Leone); son, William (Suzanne) VanCleef Jr.; sisters: Vivian, Sylvia; brother: Bob, Charles; sister-in-laws: Jane Dudash, Mary Ann Caravana, Connie Sparachino; brother-in-law, Anthony Leone; nieces: Charlene Ann Corrado, Tina Corrado, Wesley Corrado, Debbie Caravana, Mary Ann Meyer; nephews: Terry VanCleef, Dale VanCleef.
Bill is a WWII veteran of the United States Air Force and served in Guam. He was an active member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus from St. Joan of Arc Church, the American Legion, as well as other groups. He retired from U.S. Steel as an electrician. He was an avid car enthusiast and master mechanic for Ford and Chevrolet. He enjoyed gardening and was very proud of continuing to grow his figs that originated from Sicily.
He was a founding member of Andrean High School where he collected donations for the building by going door to door and worked closely with Father Eckert on various projects for the high school. Bill loved his country music, especially Johnny Cash! He adored spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and teaching them some of his tricks to fix things while being ornery at the same time. He was loved by all for his sense of humor and his huge heart. He will be joining the love of his life, Josephine, who with him traveled and shared a lifetime of beautiful experiences.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre, 606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Funeral Prayers will be at the Funeral Home at 9:00 am on Thursday, September 30, 2021. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 200 E. 78th Ave., Merrillville, IN 46410 with Fr. Jerry Pehler officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in William’s name to either the Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Brain Tumor Clinic at Rush or University of Chicago, or Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor Center in Cleveland, OH.
Visit William’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.