Roy was preceded in death by his parents, brother Philip Van Fossen and oldest child, Donna Cochran. He is survived by his wife, Irene, and children Bonita (and Chris) Dietrich of Peoria, Illinois, Greg Van Fossen of Fishers, Indiana and Mike Van Fossen of Pekin, Illinois. Roy also considered their foreign exchange student, Saul Cardenas, Costa Rica, as one of his sons and he survives in Costa Rica. Also surviving are his grandchildren Rhonda Skelton, Matthew Cochran, Jared Cochran, Tim Cochran, Karen (and John) Eggers, David (and Myranda) Dietrich, Crystal (and Joe) Mahoney, Dustin (and Angie) Dietrich, Stephanie (Juandale) Cook, Danine (and Kevin) Alston, Eugene (and Sheila) Van Fossen, Sherry Van Fossen, Michael (and Felicia) Van Fossen, Jeremy (and Ashley) Van Fossen, and Ryan Van Fossen. Also surviving are 35 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, his aunt, Pauline Brown, cousin Kay Brown and her son Brett Brown.
Roy grew up in Ipava, Illinois and graduated from VIT High School. He enjoyed spending much time on his Grandma and Grandpa Carroll’s farm in Ipava as he was growing up.
Roy started his career at Caterpillar after high school and took time out to serve in the Korean Conflict with the US Army from 1954 until 1956, when he received an honorable discharge. He continued his education while working at Caterpillar receiving an Associate’s Degree from Illinois Central College. At Caterpillar he moved up the ladder from the apprentice program to management, retiring in 1986.
Roy and Irene spent time between Lake Vermillion, Minnesota in the summer and Victoria, Texas in the winter for many years. They enjoyed their cabin at Polley’s Resort on Lake Vermillion where many fish were caught. Memories were made as their children and grandchildren spent vacations with them in both locations. Everyone learned to fish and most have a fish story or two to tell.
During his retirement, Roy attained his dream job of teaching in Victoria, Texas schools where he was a substitute teacher of many subjects. He enjoyed mentoring several students. Roy also volunteered at the Community Action Center in Victoria, serving as their computer expert.
Roy was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and took great joy in wearing his Cardinals hat to antagonize Chicago Cubs fans. All in good fun, he would tell a Cubs fan that “You can stay but the Cubs hat will have to go”. People who knew him loved to interact with Roy and enjoyed his quick comebacks about their teams.
Roy loved fishing, collecting pottery, hiking in the woods, crossword and jigsaw puzzles. He always had a jigsaw puzzle on the table awaiting completion. Most of all, he loved his wife, children and grandchildren. Roy made many memories with them all and will be truly missed.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the Northwoods Community Church, 10700 North Allen Road in Peoria, Illinois at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place at the church beginning 1 hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
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