Van Cleave, Patricia J. – 1928-2012

HARWOOD, LAMP, SHAVER, VAN CLEAVE

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/19/2024 at 17:30:13

Patricia J. Van Cleave, 83, of Waukegan, Illinois passed away March 6, 2012 at the Rolling Hill Manor in Zion, Illinois on the 100th anniversary of her favorite treat – the Oreo cookie, which she enjoyed with ice cream. Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. Monday, March 12 at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Richland Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com
Pat was born in Greenbrier Township, Greene County, Iowa, on June 25, 1928 to John and Orpha (Lamp) Van Cleave. Pat lived a very full life with many accomplishments. She graduated from Bagley High School with the class of 1947, and then went on to nurse's training at Ravens Wood Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating, Pat worked at Ravens Wood Hospital, and then later joined the United States Navy on March 22, 1963, where she achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander and traveled to many ports throughout the world. She served on the USS Sanctuary in Vietnam and had many accommodations, one of which was the Vietnam Service Metal with Bronze Stars.
On July 1, 1979, she decided to retire from the Navy at Great Lakes Navel Station to make her home in Waukegan, Illinois. Retirement didn't suit Pat, so on September 9, 1979, she began working at St. Terese Medical Center in Waukegan, where she later retired in July 1993. Pat had a knack for making quilts, afghan's, and sewing, and enjoyed taking small trips with the Waukegan Park District around the area. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family, friends and going to the Van Cleave family reunions in Perry.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister Melva and brother Douglas. Those left to enjoy her memories are her sisters Ramona Shaver of Des Moines and Joann Harwood of Menlo; sister-in-law Carole Van Cleave of Bristow; and several nieces, nephews, and many other family members and friends that will all miss her greatly. (Arrangements: Johnson Family Funeral Home – Stuart).
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Saturday, March 10, 2012