James Orren Van Keuren

James O. Van Keuren, age 90, of Oshkosh, passed away Friday September 12, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center with his family at his side. He was born on December 6, 1923 in Duluth, MN to Harry and Cora (Henrichs) Van Keuren. After graduating from Augusta High School in 1942 he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls but decided to enlist in the U.S. Army that fall. While stationed in England as part of the military police he met his future wife, Ruby Bridges, and on November 24, 1945 they married in Ipswich, England. He was discharged from the service February 1946 and upon returning from service he enrolled at UW-River Falls. In 1949 he graduated with a degree in Life Sciences. While attending college he also served in the 128th Infantry Wisconsin Army National Guard as part of the heavy Mortar Company from 1947 to 1949. Upon graduating, he provided On-the-job training to eligible World War II veterans during the period of 1949-1955. He taught life sciences and health education at Park Falls High School from 1955 to 1979. While teaching he continued his studies at various institutions and received a Masters of Science degree in teaching from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 1972 and an Emergency Medical Technician certificate in 1974. He served as an alderman for seven years and as Park Falls mayor from 1969 to 1972. He served as an EMT in Park Falls and Clintonville. Jim and Ruby owned and operated a Montgomery Ward catalog store in Clintonville. Jim taught first aid and CPR seminars throughout various communities as a certified Red Cross instructor for Fox Valley Technical College. He served as deputy coroner from 1988 to 1996. Jim and Ruby after retirement enjoyed traveling extensively to various locations in the United States and England. Jim also enjoyed reading and Military History.He is survived by Ruby, his wife of 69 years; son, Michael (Char) Van Keuren, Waunakee; daughter, Marina (Roger) Nelessen, Winchester; brother, Dick Van Keuren; sister, Doris (Louie) Muench; two grandchildren, Erin (Phil) O'Rourke and Ryan Van Keuren; and three great grandchildren, Madeline, Benjamin and Amelia. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dr. David Van Keuren; brother, Robert Van Keuren; sister-in-law, Ruth Van Keuren; brothers-in-law, Arthur Bridges and Robert Bridges. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday September 17, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oshkosh with Rev. Roger Erdman officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Good Sheperd Lutheran Church



2450 W 9th Ave
Oshkosh
WI
54904

00:00.0
9:30-11:00am



Graceland Cemetery




Clintonville
WI
54929






Good Sheperd Lutheran Church



2450 W 9th Ave
Oshkosh
WI
54904

00:00.0
11am