Obituary for Donald Henry "Hank" Van Riesen
Donald Henry Van Riesen
Donald Henry (Hank) Van Riesen passed away at age 75 on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Foothills Country Hospice in Okotoks, Alberta where he received the most amazing care.
Hank was born in Stockton, California on May 20, 1947, the oldest child of Claire and Donald Henry Van Riesen and predeceased by his parents.
Hank is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen Van Riesen (nee Shunk), children Donald (Hank), Susan Elliott, Heather, Terry and daughter, Blair as well as his nine grandchildren and siblings Kathleen, Gretchen, Wendy, and Alex.
After graduating from James Fowler High School in Calgary in 1965, he returned to the United States and enlisted in the US Navy and served 4 years as a Sonarman 2nd class. He returned to Canada and met and married Karen in Calgary where they had their first son, Hank Jr before moving to Kimberley BC. They built a log house on 5 acres and were blessed with four more children. Hank spent over 20 years of his life as the Chief Technician for Kootenay Cable - often working alongside his son Hank.
In 2001 they moved to Perth, Australia where they volunteered with a mission organization until 2005 when they returned to Calgary. Eventually he worked as Sales and Service representative with Karen and Terry for their company, Ebenezer Roofing. His favourite pastime was flying his drone for roof inspections.
Hank and Karen attended Centre Street Church. A Celebration of Hank’s Life will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Centre Street Church, Main Campus 3900 2nd St NE Calgary, AB. For those unable to attend the celebration, the service will be livestreamed through this link.
Hank’s ashes will be interred with his parents at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, California.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hank’s memory to Foothills Country Hospice, Okotoks.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Hank, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
Donald Henry (Hank) Van Riesen passed away at age 75 on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Foothills Country Hospice in Okotoks, Alberta where he received the most amazing care.
Hank was born in Stockton, California on May 20, 1947, the oldest child of Claire and Donald Henry Van Riesen and predeceased by his parents.
Hank is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen Van Riesen (nee Shunk), children Donald (Hank), Susan Elliott, Heather, Terry and daughter, Blair as well as his nine grandchildren and siblings Kathleen, Gretchen, Wendy, and Alex.
After graduating from James Fowler High School in Calgary in 1965, he returned to the United States and enlisted in the US Navy and served 4 years as a Sonarman 2nd class. He returned to Canada and met and married Karen in Calgary where they had their first son, Hank Jr before moving to Kimberley BC. They built a log house on 5 acres and were blessed with four more children. Hank spent over 20 years of his life as the Chief Technician for Kootenay Cable - often working alongside his son Hank.
In 2001 they moved to Perth, Australia where they volunteered with a mission organization until 2005 when they returned to Calgary. Eventually he worked as Sales and Service representative with Karen and Terry for their company, Ebenezer Roofing. His favourite pastime was flying his drone for roof inspections.
Hank and Karen attended Centre Street Church. A Celebration of Hank’s Life will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Centre Street Church, Main Campus 3900 2nd St NE Calgary, AB. For those unable to attend the celebration, the service will be livestreamed through this link.
Hank’s ashes will be interred with his parents at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, California.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hank’s memory to Foothills Country Hospice, Okotoks.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Hank, please visit www.choicememorial.com.