Obituary of Andy Van Fleet

ANDY VAN FLEET

On Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 12:13 pm at West Marion Community Hospital, Ocala, Florida, Adrian (Andy) Van Fleet passed away. Andy was the husband of Jantina Van Fleet for 56 years. Andy was born on March 6, 1933 in the little town of Waddingsveen, Holland. He was the son of Jacob and Adriana Van Vliet. Andy was one of 10 children, seven boys and three girls. He began working when he was 11 years old in a bicycle shop. When he was older, he worked on a farm. He was a happy child and he liked to make people laugh with his jokes. His early education was in Holland. In 1953, when Andy was 20 years old, he immigrated to the United States on a freighter, and lived with his sister Mary and her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Andy enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Va. from 1954 to 1956. During this time he became an American Citizen, Andy was in the U,S. Army Reserves (Standby) and was honorably discharged in 1962. He then moved to Los Angeles, California, and for several years worked in heavy construction, mostly overpasses and bridge building. In 1964, Andy was made foreman and moved to San Mateo, California.

In 1965, Andy met and married Jantina Schuurman. They traveled and spent some time in Europe. In 1967, their beautiful daughter, Anita Johanna was born. Jantina was a stay at home mom. Andy continued his work as a foreman in the construction business. He was a member of Cement Masons Union #583 and became an executive board member, vice-president and president from 1978-1993. Andy attended San Mateo College and received his certificate to teach an apprenticeship program. Over many years, the Van Fleet's moved to different cities across California, and traveled to see their families in many countries, including Canada, New Zealand and Holland. Andy retired in 1993, while living in San Carlos, California. In 2005, the Van Fleet's moved from California to Ocala, Florida, and bought a house in a 55+community. Andy and Janina loved volunteering and along with their daughter, Anita Johanna, joined the Ocala 200 Lions Club and was named Lion of the Year (2013-2014). For 10 years, Andy volunteered at West Marion Community Hospital, and in a golf cart, escorted visitors and staff from the parking lot to the hospital entrance. On November 9, 2021, Andy was part of a ceremony and a recipient of a special tribute for Dedicated Military Service to America and For Advancing the Hope of Freedom and Liberty for All, and received a certificate sponsored by Hospice of Marion County. 

Andy enjoyed singing in a chorus, playing billiards, riding his bike, and swimming. He and Jantina continued to travel. Andy was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Anita Johanna, five brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Jantina, a brother Pieter, nieces and nephews and many friends. Andy was well loved and respected by all who knew him Everyone loved Andy's sense of humor and joke telling. Andy was kind, considerate and treated everyone with respect. You could always count on Andy. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, Jantina is requesting donations to your choice of a diabetic foundation or Cancer Research Institute, 29 Broadway, Floor 4, New York, NY 10006-3111 in his memory.

A celebration of Andy's life will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, March 18, 2022, at Ocala West United Methodist Church, 9330 SW 105th Street, Ocala Fl 34481. Online condolences may be sent to Hiers-Baxley.com.