Vera Mae Van Hook

April 15, 1934 - March 22, 2020

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Wednesday 3/25

Private Service

Vera M. Van Hook, 85, of Lafayette, died at 8:35 a.m. Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Aster Place Assisted Living, 741 Park East Blvd., surrounded by her three daughters.

She was born April 15, 1934, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of the late Emil O. Handel and Violet R. Oneyear Handel. After graduating from Dubuque High School, she served in the Navy from 1952 to 1954 where she met her late husband Bobby D. Van Hook. They married on September 25, 1954 in Dubuque, Iowa.

After being a stay at home mom for many years, Vera worked for the Lafayette School Corporation for ten years as a secretary and receptionist spending her last working years at Sunnyside Middle School. She loved reading, gardening, puzzles, various crafts and needle work but had a special passion for playing the organ. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Stroke Club and a longtime volunteer for It’s My Closet. She was especially proud of being recognized for her military service as part of the April 2013 Honor Flight for Veterans to Washington D.C.

Surviving are three daughters, Debra Linville of Lafayette (husband: Michael), Patricia Doelling of Westminster, CO (husband: Bruce) and Lora Baker of Aurora, CO (husband: John). Also surviving are three grandchildren, Ashlynn Elliott of Lafayette (husband: Thomas) Chase Doelling of Westminster, CO (wife: Kady) and Cameron Doelling of Scottsdale, AZ and two great grandchildren, Alexandria Elliott and Abigale Doelling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 53 years, Bob, and three brothers, Ervin, Wayne and Roger Handel.

Vera’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Aster Place Assisted Living for all the love and care provided to Vera during her 3 years as a resident, but especially for the last two weeks at the end of her life.

Due to Coronavirus there will be no visitation, just a private service for the family. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, Riley Children’s Hospital or Almost Home Humane Society. You may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Claudia Comus

Melissa Wagner-Wu

Bruce&Suzanne Clinton

LaVila Kincaid

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Map

Wednesday 3/25

Private Service

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Vera M. Van Hook, 85, of Lafayette, died at 8:35 a.m. Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Aster Place Assisted Living, 741 Park East Blvd., surrounded by her three daughters. She was born April 15, 1934, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of the late Emil O. Handel and Violet R. Oneyear Handel. After graduating from DubuqueContinue Reading

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In memory of Vera Mae Van Hook, Claudia Comus lit a candle

Much Love to this family!! Beautiful people from a beautiful woman. Love, Dawn Reed

We were so sorry to read of Vera's passing.. Wilk has many fond memories of Vera when he taught at Sunnyside.. She always greeted everyone with her lovely smile.. We saw her a few years ago..had a nice visit & chatted about 'old times'.. We will continue to keep Vera's family & friends in our daily prayers.. We think Helen Keller said it best..“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

Lora, I was so sorry to read about your mother. I hope you find solace in her memory and know that you’re in my thoughts.

I had the privilege of working with Vera at both Sunnyside and It's My Closet. Vera was always smiling and so willing to help in any way she could.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I had the privilege of working with Vera at both Sunnyside and It's My Closet. Vera was always smiling and so willing to help in any way she could.

We knew Vera from the stroke support group and were always cheered by her loving demenor and upbeat attitude. We had been unable to attend recently, but II made sure to get her recipe for her baked beans. They were scrumptious!

Vera and I have been best friends for over 60 years. She was like a sister to me. I loved her and her family so much. Our prayers are with you. Wish I could be with you, but understand.

I worked with Vera when I taught at Sunnyside. She was a great lady. I posted this on a mostly-retired staff page and all are talking about how pleasant and helpful she was. Prayers to the family. (I'd be at the visitation if I could.)

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.