John L. Van Leuven

Mr. John L. Van Leuven, age 96, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Born in Wallkill, New York, on October 4, 1929, John was the son of the late John I. and Mildred (Oakley) Van Leuven. John served in the United States Army from 1951- 1953.

On July 19, 1951, John married Jean M. (Ramnitz) Van Leuven. They shared seventy-one years of marriage before Jeans passing in 2023.Together they created a legacy of generations of family. John and Jean raised their family in Pleasant Valley, New York and after retiring they enjoyed an "extended vacation" of 15 years in Barefoot Bay, Florida. They made many lasting friendships, and happily accommodated family visits. John was a proud member of the Barefoot Bay Horseshoe Club. They moved back to New York in 2013, settling in Mohawk, near their daughter Heidi and her family. John greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took pride in their accomplishments.

John worked for Karl Ehmer Farm in Lagrangeville, New York for over 30 years, running and repairing heavy equipment and managing the planting and harvesting on the 650-acre farm. He was a dirt track race car driver who proudly earned an induction to the National Dirt Track Racing Hall of Fame. John was a life member of the Pleasant Valley Fire Company and enjoyed participating competitively on the bowling team. He was an avid hunter, who built a hunting camp on a remote mountain in the Catskill Mountains that continues to be a favorite place to gather and make memories.

John is survived by his son, John Van Leuven and his wife, Cheryl, of Poughkeepsie, NY; his daughter, Heidi Chrisman and her fiance, Timothy Roberts of Mohawk, NY; his grandchildren; Justin (Becky) Johannssen of Ilion, NY, Kyle (Chelsea) Johannssen of Appleton, NY, Brittney (Matthew) Watkins of Mohawk, NY, and Christopher Van Leuven of Schenectady, NY. He also leaves his 9 great-grandchildren, Michael Johannssen, Anna Johannssen, Logan Johannssen, Ava Johannssen, Morgan Johannssen, Wyatt Johannssen, Maya Watkins, Callie Watkins and Ruby Watkins who lovingly called him Pop Pop.

" We will always remember his great smile, sparkling blue eyes, and happy, warm presence that made spending time with him feel like a big hug you could carry with you always."

He was a special man who will be enormously missed. ♡

In keeping with his wishes, a celebration of life to honor John's legacy will be held at a later time. His final arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion NY 13357, 315-894-8000. 

Online notes of sympathy and memories of John may be left at www.eneafamily.com .