Sterling “Curly” Clark Van Vleck, 86, Lincoln, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2011 after a brief illness and the longer challenges of advanced dementia. He was born September 12, 1925 to Christina Hughes Van Vleck and John Van Vleck in Clearwater, NE. A gifted athlete, his family moved to Neligh for high school, and Curly played varsity basketball and baseball.
He graduated from Neligh High School and served in the US Navy during World War II. Because he could “touch type” he was made a ship’s clerk aboard a troop transport ship. On the benefits of the GI Bill and his athletic ability, Curly attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was a pitcher on the baseball team. While at UNL, he met his future wife, Luella Belle Fisher, on a blind date. They were married on September 1, 1948.
Curly began teaching and coaching at the high school level in rural northeastern Nebraska towns (Creighton, Orchard, and Bloomfield); when they moved to Lincoln, Curly became a physical education teacher with Lincoln Public Schools. His longest placement was at Meadow Lane Elementary where students and staff knew him as “Mr. V.”
He was an accomplished furniture refinisher and wicker caner. He was an avid sports fan. With his wife, Lu, they enjoyed many lifelong friendships with childhood classmates, teaching colleagues, former students, and a host of others who blessed their lives. Curly was visited in the last years of his life by remarkable friends and tended to by compassionate, gentle caregivers.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Luella, and two infant sons, Roger and Gregory. He was the last living of his siblings: older brothers Jack, Boyd, and Robert and younger sister, Helen. He is survived by his daughter Va Nee Van Vleck and her partner Bet Hannon and granddaughters, Emery and Noe Van Vleck Hannon, all of Fresno, Calif.
Services will be held on Monday, Sept. 19 at 11am at Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 ‘A’ Street Rev. Laurel Cruisinberry will officiate. Burial will be at the Heim Cemetery in Dawson at 4:30 p.m. with Rev. Bet Hannon, officiating.
Family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m . Sunday at Roper and Sons, 4300 O St. and one hour prior to service time at the church.
Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.