Obituary for Walter William Van Leuven
On April 27, 2021, during a glorious, heavenly sunset, Walter W. Van Leuven, 58, of Milan and Tivoli, entered into heaven at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck after a long illness.
A lifelong area resident, he was born on November 27, 1962 to the late Ernest and June (Cypher) Van Leuven. Walt lived his early years in Salt Point and attended FDR High School in Hyde Park. He loved his work and his work family at Matt’s Auto Body in Salt Point from where Walt regretfully retired January 2020 to fight his battle with lung cancer.
Walt leaves behind his loving companion and soulmate of 20 years, Joanne Wiedemann. Walt and Joanne enjoyed their years together camping and clamming in Galilee, RI; listening to the Mets in a hammock at their camp in Gilboa, NY; fishing, bird listening and hiking. They especially liked listening to the Captain Trips show on radio WIOX Roxbury in front of a campfire, drinking good red wine and eating s’mores. Walt took pride in showing his beautifully restored glacier blue Chevy Impala SS. He loved life and enjoyed living every minute of it!
Walt is survived by his beloved brother, Douglas C. Van Leuven, with whom he shared a love of cars and the Las Vegas Raiders; his nephews, Steven and Lucas; and his aunt, Pat Cypher, who helped him through the last years of his life. In addition to his parents, Walt was also predeceased by his brother, Steven Van Leuven. Walt was fortunate to have the love and support of his lifelong friend, Donna Cahill, as well as his extended family: Joanne’s mother, sisters, and their families. He also leaves behind his springers, Sadie and Zoey; and his cat, Ellie. He will be missed by all but held dearly in our hearts.
Thank you to the staff at Northern Dutchess Hospital, especially visiting nurse Jen, and Hospice, who showed caring and compassion for him.
At Walt’s request, there will be no visitation or services.
Psalm 30:5 “for his anger endureth but for a moment; in his favor was life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
A lifelong area resident, he was born on November 27, 1962 to the late Ernest and June (Cypher) Van Leuven. Walt lived his early years in Salt Point and attended FDR High School in Hyde Park. He loved his work and his work family at Matt’s Auto Body in Salt Point from where Walt regretfully retired January 2020 to fight his battle with lung cancer.
Walt leaves behind his loving companion and soulmate of 20 years, Joanne Wiedemann. Walt and Joanne enjoyed their years together camping and clamming in Galilee, RI; listening to the Mets in a hammock at their camp in Gilboa, NY; fishing, bird listening and hiking. They especially liked listening to the Captain Trips show on radio WIOX Roxbury in front of a campfire, drinking good red wine and eating s’mores. Walt took pride in showing his beautifully restored glacier blue Chevy Impala SS. He loved life and enjoyed living every minute of it!
Walt is survived by his beloved brother, Douglas C. Van Leuven, with whom he shared a love of cars and the Las Vegas Raiders; his nephews, Steven and Lucas; and his aunt, Pat Cypher, who helped him through the last years of his life. In addition to his parents, Walt was also predeceased by his brother, Steven Van Leuven. Walt was fortunate to have the love and support of his lifelong friend, Donna Cahill, as well as his extended family: Joanne’s mother, sisters, and their families. He also leaves behind his springers, Sadie and Zoey; and his cat, Ellie. He will be missed by all but held dearly in our hearts.
Thank you to the staff at Northern Dutchess Hospital, especially visiting nurse Jen, and Hospice, who showed caring and compassion for him.
At Walt’s request, there will be no visitation or services.
Psalm 30:5 “for his anger endureth but for a moment; in his favor was life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”