Richard Thomas Van Alen Obituary

Richard was born March 9, 1932 to DeWitt and Arlene (Hosking) Van Alen in Detroit Michigan.

They lived there a few years and moved to Kansas City, Ks. Then moved to Delavan WI, where he graduated form Delavan High School in 1950.

He attended U.W. Madison 1950-1952 where he met Bonita Kietzman , married, and started their life together in Richfield, WI. Shortly after starting his career in banking, they moved to Menomonee Falls, WI.

They had four children, Eric, Valerie, Stacey and Georgia. They built a home on Elm Lane and another on St Augustine road, close to Holy Hill. Richard eventually became Vice President of Farmers and Merchants Bank. After Richard and Bonita divorced, he met the lovely Joan Price and they married and began a new chapter in his life. They built a couple homes, traveled , and participated in the "snowbird" life of living part of the year in Venice Florida, and Sussex Wisconsin. He was a proud and active volunteer at the Venice Regional Hospital. After his dear Joan passed away, he met Loretta and enjoyed life again. They spent a few cherished years together before Loretta passed away. He eventually moved back to Wisconsin full time in 2018 and lived at Dickson Hollow in Menomonee Falls until his passing on Feb 2, 2025. He had a lust for life and lifelong learning. He was the most technical 90 year old I know – electronic banking, buying groceries on-line and managing his own finances until his final days. His hobbies included model train sets, flying remote control planes, building planes , playing cards, monitoring investments and reading the Wall Street Journal (with animated discussion afterwards). He was very active within the Dickson Hollow community, from delivering the morning paper to designing a putt-putt golf course, serving on the board for activities, attending scheduled speakers, and picking out the weekly movie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, DeWitt and Arlene, Aunt Kathrine, and wives Bonita Green, Joan (Price) Van Alen and Loretta (O'Donnell) Van Alen. He is survived by his children Eric Van Alen and Colleen (Garcia), Valerie (Van Alen) and Thad Clavette, Stacey (Van Alen) and Karl Kindt, Georgia (Van Alen) and George Mayer. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love for life and energy will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Living Hope Presbyterian Church which is located inside of Dickson Hollow (N4881 Pilgrim Rd W156, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051) from 1pm until time of service at 2pm.

Visitation Tuesday, February 11, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Living Hope Presbyterian Church W156 N4881 Pilgrim Rd. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Phone: (262) 251-3630.