OBITUARY: Richard (Dick) Van Vleet

Richard (Dick) Van Vleet died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. Dick was born April 5, 1932 to Wandell and Chester Van Vleet in West Allis, Wisconsin. Upon graduation from High School in Wautoma, Wisconsin, Richard Glenn Van Vleet joined the U.S. Marine Corp. After completing basic training his unit was sent to Korea. There he carried a B.A.R. with rank of Private Marksman. Dick had not been in Korea quite a year when he was wounded in the knee and sent back to Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Chicago for recovery.

For five years Dick drove bus for Badger Coach Lines and Wisconsin Lines while living in Waukesha, Wisconsin. From there it was a move to Sister Bay to work at Rowleys Bay Resort followed by a move to Scandia Village. While living there he drove the Scand bus and worked in the activities department. He became known as the “Popcorn Man” for the delicious popcorn he made and distributed campus-wide.

Dick is survived by his wife of 56 years, Peggy Slater Van Vleet; older brother Chet; sister Penney (Jack). His children Tom (Becky), Deborah (Ron) and Laurie (Steve); several nieces and nephews.

There will be a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 at 1pm in the Meadow Gathering Room at Scandia Village in Sister Bay.