Rev. Paul John Van Loon, 95, of Oostburg, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019, at Harbor
Chase in Shorewood.
Paul was born on April 9, 1923, in La Crosse to John and Anna (Mulder) Van Loon. Paul was a
1941 graduate of Holmen High School, he received his Bachelors Degree in History from Bob
Jones University in Greenville, SC and his Bachelors in Divinity from Dubuque University
Seminary. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII from 1942-1946. On
July 26, 1947 he married Mary Jane Leavesley in Ann Arbor, MI. Paul was pastor at Ottawa
Presbyterian Church in Dousman for 6 years and then First Presbyterian Church in Oostburg for
25 years until his retirement in 1991.
Paul was a member of Milwaukee Presbytery and was Moderator in 1976. He was a part time
visiting pastor at Hingham Reformed Church, and an interim pastor in Cedar Grove and Stoney
Hills. Paul was a charter member of the Oostburg Kiwanis; he was also an active member of the
American Legion Post 286, and VFW. He served as chaplain for both the American Legion Post
286 and VFW, as well as being the State of Wisconsin VFW Chaplain in the late 90’s. Paul and
Mary Jane’s involvement with the New Wilmington Missionary Conference in PA, led to a
friendship with missionaries Stan and Betty Wick, which resulted in members of the church
building a school at their mission in Guatemala. In 2011, Paul had the privilege to go on the
Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan;
he enjoyed Bible study, reading, history, travel, photography, creating slide programs, and
gardening.
Paul is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; three daughters, Mary Jane (Behrouz Vafa) Van Loon of
Bridgewater, NJ, Ruth Anne (David Nash) Van Loon of Cincinnati, OH, and Sara Van Loon of
Milwaukee; three grandchildren, Nathan Nash, Samuel Nash, and Marjan Vafa; brother, Donald
(Becky) Van Loon; two sisters-in-law, Eleanor Poole and Evelyn Van Loon; and one brother-in-
law, Forrest Williams. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Doris (Carl) Engel and Rachel Williams;
brother, Russell Van Loon; mother-in-law, Ethel Leavesley; sister-in-law, Donna Van Loon; and
brother-in-law, Duane Poole.
A funeral service to celebrate Paul's life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 11 am at
First Presbyterian Church in Oostburg with Rev. Brian Jacobson officiating. A burial will take
place at Oostburg Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may greet the family at Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Friday,
March 15, 2019, from 3-7 pm and again on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at the CHURCH from 9
am until the time of service at 11 am.
A memorial fund is being established in his name.
For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com.
The Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Van Loon family with
arrangements.
