Douglas Leroy Van Selow's Obituary
Douglas Leroy Van Selow, 71, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and counselor passed away on Tuesday December 10, 2013 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Doug was born June 17, 1942 in Elgin, IL the son of Roy Gehart and Mary Margaret (Singer) Van Selow. Doug was 9 yrs old when he was stricken with Polio. He used a wheel chair the remainder of his life but was certainly not confined by his disability. Doug attended the University of Illinois where he met the love of his life Norma Rae Francis on their first day of school. After their marriage in 1965, he then attended Eastern Illinois University, where he received his Masters in Guidance and Counseling.
Doug was able to follow his passion of helping others and began his career as a Counselor at Mac Arthur High School in 1971. He also had a private family therapy practice. He touched the lives of thousands of students, staff and clients throughout his career. He retired from both in 2005 to spend more time with his family. Doug and Norma were blessed with two wonderful daughters and five beautiful grand children whom he adored. Doug was known for his kindness, compassion and ability to make people feel special. He spent his life showing everyone around him how to live with grace, dignity, humility and determination. Doug left an undeniable legacy of love as he entered into eternal life.
Doug is survived by his wife, Norma; daughters, Kimberley Van Selow (Ray Bowlin Jr.) of Powhatan, VA; Elizabeth McClure (Jeff) of Fishers, IN; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Gavin, Cole, Douglas, and Olivia; brothers, Scott Van Selow (Kathy) of Fort Meyers Beach, FL; Bruce Cermak of Fort Meyers Beach, FL; George Cermak (Susan) of Belvidere, IL; sisters, Judy Van Selow of Fort Meyers Beach, FL; Sheri Harty (Harold) of Joliet, IL; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Ed Cermak and three brothers, Mark, Cork, and Wayne Cermak.
Visitation will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 910 N. Main Street, Decatur IL from 4-7 PM Tuesday December 17th. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at 10:30 on Wednesday at Grace United Methodist. Memorials are suggested to Douglas Van Selow Legacy Scholarship Fund at MacArthur High School.
The family of Douglas Leroy Van Selow is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services. View the on line obituary, share memories, and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com
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