Eugene Van Fleet, Jr.

Eugene Van Fleet Jr., pillar of the family and our hero of the “Greatest Generation,” died March 21, 2020 at the age of 94 at Applewood Place Assisted Living in Lakewood, CO. In light of recent health advisories, it has been decided to postpone services until a later date. Updated information will be posted when services are able to be rescheduled.

A Colorado native, Eugene was born in Denver January 18, 1926 to Eugene Sr. and Rebecca (Blunt). His parents owned a tailor/hat-making/dry cleaning shop in downtown Denver, where he learned the tricks of the trade.

Eugene attended East High School. When the attack of Pearl Harbor occurred, Eugene, then 15, was too young to defend his country. He waited until the age of 17, in his senior year, to join the U.S. Merchant Marines, with his parents’ permission. He later enrolled in the U.S. Naval Construction Force, the Seabees, where he was based in the Philippines as the company tailor.

In 1946, Eugene received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy. He then went on to obtain his GED, and briefly attended Denver University, studying chemistry. He worked at the Colorado Department of Transportation, collecting and studying soil samples for road construction, and as a ski patrolman at Winter Park ski area.

Eugene always had a great interest in transportation vehicles. From a young age, he started out rebuilding cars and motorcycles, and later became a member of the Denver Railroad Association and the Golden Railroad Museum. He was also an HO train enthusiast, acquiring many models and building a layout in the basement of his home.

May 20, 1950, Eugene married the love of his life, his soulmate and world travel partner, Doris Hanson. They were married at the Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in Waterville. Doris was born in Harpers Ferry to John and Emma (Nelson) Hanson, who later had a house on Main Street in Waukon. Eugene was a true son to the Hansons, and they adored him.

Eugene’s passion for transportation was not complete until he entered the airline industry. He joined United Airlines in 1951 as a dispatcher and later as a flight training schedule coordinator.

Thanks to his flight travel advantages, Eugene, Doris and their two daughters would visit Iowa at least once a year. It was definitely their second home.

After 37 wonderful years, Eugene retired from United. From then on, he and Doris increased their love of travel and continued life’s adventures, exploring 75 countries, and making many friends along the way.

Both were devout Lutherans and founding members of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO which later joined with St. Timothy Lutheran to become Glory of God Lutheran Church. Eugene was an active church and council member. He adored his church family and attended service regularly, keeping his faith to the end.

Eugene and Doris built their forever home in Lakewood, CO and lived there for over 52 years. They were married for 67 fantastic years and remained inseparable until 2017, when Doris was called to heaven.

Eugene was always very logical, methodical and passionate, an excellent handyman to have around, and had incredible common sense. He had a nice baritone voice and loved to sing hymns and songs of old. He will be remembered as a quick witted, humorous and very sociable person.

Eugene was known by many names: Dad, Gene, Bud, Van, Grandpa and Mata. Most warmly, he was known as Clem Kadiddlehopper, which he often jokingly, yet in a serious tone, would introduce himself as. And no matter the time of year, he would end his conversation with a joyful “Merry Christmas.” Eugene left his mark in life wherever he went. He is truly loved and will be forever missed.

Eugene is survived by his brother, Henry; his two daughters, Candace (Glenn Spaid) and Marci (Christophe Girin); many nieces and nephews; as well as four grandchildren, Michael Spaid, Karen (Craig) Campbell, and Alexia and André Girin. In addition to Doris and his parents, he is preceded in death by his older sister, Gloria Kahle, and his youngest brother, Roland.

For any who might wish to make a donation in Eugene’s honor, the family suggests giving to the Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church, rural Waterville.