William "Al" Van Vleet

William Alan Van Vleet, 90, Bismarck, died May 21, 2010, at the Waterford, Bismarck. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Nate Keith officiating. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. Al was born July 28, 1919, on a farm near Pickardville, ND, the son of Perry and Elizabeth Peterson Van Vleet. The family moved to Pickardville in 1923, where he attended school through the eighth grade. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in McClusky. Al graduated from McClusky High School in 1936. Al moved to Bismarck in 1937 and attended Capital Commercial College after which began his career at Dakota National Bank and later spent 38 years in the insurance business. Al and Irene Larson were married on July 11, 1948. Irene died on May 12, 1951. He married Gladys Lunden on June 2, 1956, and after 50 years of marriage, she passed away on September 15, 2006. Al was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck for more than 60 years and was treasurer for 20 years. Al’s Christian faith was evident in his daily life through his generous support of many charities and his tireless work for the Scottish Rite Speech Therapy Center. Al spent many years researching and compiling the Van Vleet and Peterson family histories. He was an avid golfer, bowler, and bridge player. Al was a life member of the Elks and Lions Clubs, active in many organizations and received many awards and commendations. He was a loving son, husband, brother, uncle, a loyal friend and surely leaves his footprints in the sands of time. Al is survived by his three sisters, Margaret Miller and Marian Volk, Bismarck, and Marlys Breitmeyer, Gearhart, OR; sister-in-law, Theresa Van Vleet and 21 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two beloved wives; brothers, James E. and Donald P. Van Vleet; brothers-in-law, Pius Volk, Art Breitmeyer and Eddie Vasichek; sisters-in-law, Frieda Van Vleet and Millie Vasichek; and nine nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

William "Al" Van Vleet

July 28, 1919 - May 21, 2010