Jon served three years with the Army. While stationed in Taiwan, he continued to work on his golf game. He arranged his shift as a Morse Code Intercept Operator so that there was time on the golf course.
Jon loved his work with Via Van Bloom. He developed many lasting family relationships with clients as he arranged their travel schedules. Jon was known for the Via Van Bloom scoreboard that was carried on the radio stations after football games. Jon loved building relationships with anyone he met. In fact, some referred to him as “Boom, Boom” or “No Socks” for his penchant for not wearing socks with shoes. Jon had a unique sense of fashion. He was always nattily dressed.
Jon had a love for travel, cars, and, oh, did we mention golf? He also loved the Nebraska Huskers. He helped many a team and athletic partners get to their destination for events. It was through his love for the Huskers that he met Joyanne. For 21 years they traveled to games, or sat in the stands to watch whichever sport was in season. The Husker connection even provided them with the venue for their marriage in 2003.
Jon brought three children with him to this union from his marriage to Ann Nordstrom. The parenting skills he and Ann shared became evident when Jon met Joyanne and the three welcomed her into the family.
As Jon’s Parkinson’s diseased progressed, Joyanne’s care was instrumental. She had a special way of reaching Jon that no one else did. They were fortunate to find The Harbor at Calvert and the specialized care The Harbor offered Jon in his final months.
Jon died on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Remember that Jon always had a smile. He was content. Parkinson’s took his voice but he still told stores, laughed and danced whenever possible. Live life, laugh, sing and dance Just like JVB. Jon was preceded in death by his parents, John (Jack) and Mary Frances Van Bloom, his sister Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Marshall) and his brother-in- law Gene Budig.
Jon is survived by his loving wife, Joyanne, his children Amy, her family Ted, Charlie and Wesley Carlsen of Minneapolis MN, his son Brian and his family Amalia, Bastian, Poppy and Olive of Omaha, and his daughter Molly and her family Billy, Emmett and Lucy Duncan of Denver CO, his sister Gretchen Budig, and his brother-in-law Dick Marshall.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a gift to the Jim Ager Golf Course, 3761 Normal Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68506, to provide access to youth for the game he loved.
Family visitation will be from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024 at Roper & Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
A funeral mass will be held for Jon on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, 3500 Sheridan Blvd, with Msgr Fucinaro presiding.
Husker attire is appropriate!
A celebration of his life will follow.