Arnold "JR" Van Haaften
February 26, 2013
Arnie “JR” Van Haaften, 58, was born August 2, 1954, the son of Dorothy and Arnold Van Haaften, Sr. He passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, February 26, 2013.
Arnie is survived by his sons, Adam (Ashley) Van Haaften and Grant Van Haaften; grandson, Barrett Van Haaften; father, Arnold (Kathy) Van Haaften, Sr.; sister, Carolyn (Denny) Keller; half-brother, Sean Van Haaften; other loving relatives; many special friends; and of course his dogs, Harley and Maggie. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy.
The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW. Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at Altoona Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at the the Za Ga Zig Shrine, 1100 Shriners Parkway in Altoona, from 12 to 3 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Harley & Maggie
03/07/2013
We miss you!! We love you!!
Deb Townsend Lind
03/07/2013
Dear Arnie - I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Jr.'s passing. I have many good memories of our time together when I worked at Arnie's Motor Freight - one of the most enjoyable jobs I've ever had. My heart goes out to you and the rest of Jr.'s family. Sending you much love!
Ginger and Bruce Tapert
03/06/2013
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Arnie's passing, and can only imagine your loss. I will always be grateful to Arnie for being brave enough to do a cross-country trip with a gal from California who had no prior experience with trailering, and teaching her to drive and take care of it...one of things necessary for my job. He was a great travel companion and colleague, and always kept my husband laughing at events. He will be missed. Our hearts go out to his family.
Jeff Bissonnette
03/05/2013
I am deeply sadden to hear of the passing of Arnie. I worked with him at many events for Farmers Insurance. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Cindy Mason
03/04/2013
Arnie Sr, family & JR's sons so sorry to hear of the passing of JR. I remember you all very fondly from the days at Arnies Motor Freight. You are all in my thoughts & prayers
Cindy, Don and Jessica Klotz
03/04/2013
Adam Ashley and Grant - No words can express the pain that you are going through. Do know that JR had lots of friends and we will all be here for you! We will miss him but with God's touch, remember the laughs and good times and also know that his love will be with you always.
Dustin & SoniaRoberts
03/04/2013
Adam so sorry for your loss. We are praying for your family during this tough time.
Kelly Gevens
03/04/2013
I worked with Arnie. He was great to work with and had me laughing always. I will truly miss him.
Pam Wells- Farmers Insurance
03/04/2013
Your, father, son, brother, and friend, Arnie was a hoot to work with. His sense of humor and pranks made a day at work enjoyable. I am sorry for your sudden loss, we at Farmers will miss him deeply. Please be assured the Farmers family especially the Logistics department will always be there for you. He was a great co-worker!!! :)
Tim and Renee Van Ginkel, John, Joe & families
03/04/2013
Adam and Grant, We are so sorry for your loss, you will all remain in our prayers. May your memories of your father be a source of comfort.
Rick and Joan (De Vries) Van Zante
03/04/2013
Have lost connection with my cousin for quite some time, We have run into each other every now and then and always had good conversation. We are praying that God will comfort hearts today and blesses your lives with treasured memories of Junior: son, dad, brother and friend, in the years to come. I walk Porter Grove Cemetery often and stop by his brother's grave, my cousin as well and always think back on my Uncle Arnold's family and the memories we share of long ago. May God give you His peace that passes all understanding today.
Michelle Shelley
03/02/2013
Arnie was quick witted, hilarious, and a great friend to have. He had wise-cracks rolling off his tongue, but could still be serious and give great advice. He was so generous and caring towards people, and his Maggie & Harley. He will be missed. I'm sorry for your loss Grant and Adam.
Dana Schmitz
03/02/2013
Adam & Grant, I'm sure you don't remember me but I am a good friend of Julie's and spent many weekends with you at your Dad and Julie's house years ago. I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing more to say really. Arnie was always very kind to me and welcomed me into his home. He will be missed.
Kim & Don Tuckers
03/02/2013
Our thoughts for JR's family. We enjoyed spending time with him when he came down to the lake! He will be missed!
Wendy Acri
03/02/2013
I met Arnie through George Davis at least 20+ years ago. What a fantastic man with a strong commitment toward family, friends and his work. On more that one occasion, Arnie and I laughed about things and I would often turn to him as a "voice of reason". What a great example he has set for all of us in living and enjoying life, but remaining committed and grounded to his values. Rest in Peace Friend.