John V. "Van" Delatour

John Van Allen “Van” Delatour, 71, of Lewellen passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2022 near Lewellen.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Ash Hollow Cemetery near Lewellen with Brenda Tophoj, PMA officiating.  The family requests casual attire.

Per Van’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Van’s name can be made to the Lewellen Tiger Den or Lewellen Fire Department.

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh is serving the Delatour family.

Van was born September 29, 1951, in Lewellen, Nebraska to Eugene and Frances (Kriha) Delatour.  He attended elementary school at District 50 north of Lewellen through 4^th grade, finished elementary at Lewellen Grade School, graduating from Lewellen Rural High in 1969.

On June 21, 1970, he married Deborah Ann Hill in Lewellen.  To this union 4 children were born: Chris in 1971, Colby in 1973, Joleen in 1978 and Natalie in 1981.

Van worked on the family ranch north of Lewellen the majority of his life, at Vics Supper Club as bartender and bouncer, and day worked at Oshkosh Feedyard and Lewellen Elevator.  For the last 23 years, he was a rural carrier for the USPS.

He was an avid sports fan from high school, colligate, to pro sports.   He also enjoyed reading, spending time with his family, and attending his grandkids’ activities.

Van is survived by his wife, Debbie of 52 years; children, Chris (Susan) Delatour of Big Springs, NE,  Colby (Tammy) Delatour of Tryon, NE, Joleen (Matt Merkt) of Oshkosh; 8 grandsons, 1 great-grandson and expecting a great-grandson in March; sister, Jackie Delatour of Harrison, NE; father-in-law, Ted Fiesterman of Lewellen; faithful companion, Duke; along with a host of nephews, nieces, in-laws, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Frances, sister, DyAnn Armstrong, brother, Eugene Delatour, daughter Natalie, grandson, John, and mother-in-law, Irene Fiesterman.