Van was born in Racine on October 26, 1939. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry. He was also an outstanding runner, earning many awards during high school and his time with the Marine Corps track team. Van retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1985, after which he ran deliveries for his son, Van, at Liberty Appraisal Service, making many friends along the way.In addition to his time with the postal service, Van owned and operated Van’s Window Cleaning and Janitorial Service, which has proudly served Racine for the past 45 years, and this legacy continues today into the third generation with his sons and grandsons.
In his younger days, Van was well known for his customized hot rod vehicles. He also enjoyed spending countless hours in his workshop creating items that were meaningful to his family, even making his own furniture. Among his many accomplishments in life, one of which was to be a 32nd degree Mason, his proudest was his family and the time he spent with them. His greatest gift to his family, friends and those he met along the way, was his example of love, kindness and humility.
Van will be profoundly missed by his children, Van (Liz) Shields, Tamara (Steve) Wiberg, David (Susan) Shields and Timothy Shields; and grandchildren, David, Meghan, Steven, Haley, Madison, Sam, Sophie, Maddy, John, Zachary, Kyler and Quinn. Van is also survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred VanBrunt Shields; and grandmother, Emmy VanBrunt.
Memorial services for Van will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at 7 p.m. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be directed to the Wheaton-Franciscan Community Care Program.
Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory
3915 Douglas Ave., Racine (262) 639-8000
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