Nelson "Van" Ven De Ville

Ven De Ville, Nelson "Van"
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away on Monday, November 3, 2014 at the age of 95. Van was born in Kalamazoo on January 4, 1919 the son of the late William J. and Grace E. Bradd Ven De Ville. He lived in Kalamazoo all of his life, except for the four years he served with the United States Army Air Corp, Pacific Theater during World War II. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, class of 1938. He returned to Kalamazoo in the fall of 1946 and met his future wife, Mary Ann Mertz. They were married on April 25, 1947; she survives him. Van and Mary Ann owned and operated Van De Ville Garden Center for 36 years. Surviving besides his wife are many nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Lester Garrison. The family would like to thank the staff at New Friends Memory Care and Assisted Living Community for their loving care. Friends may visit with the family from 10 - 11 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2014 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, where the funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. officiate by Chaplain Brian Lutz. Private interment will take place in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or New Friends Memory Care & Assisted Living.