Jan Edward Van Hoven

Obituary

Jan Edward Van Hoven

December 24, 1938- May 27, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jan Edward Van Hoven, a loving husband and family man, who left us on May 27, 2026, in Basin, Wyoming, with his wife, Doris, by his side. Jan was born on December 24, 1938, in Algona, Iowa to Carl Edward and Ruth Vera (Stearns) Van Hoven, and he spent his 87 years living life to the fullest.

Raised in Whitefish, Montana, Jan had an adventurous spirit that carried him through many chapters of life. He served honorably in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret during the Vietnam War, something he was very proud of. He served three years in active duty and 20 more in the Guards and Reserves. Jan loved his country and was proud to be an American citizen. After serving in Vietnam, he returned home to pursue further education and earn his Bachelor's degree. During that time, he married and divorced, then remarried and was blessed with three children. The two later divorced.

In 1996, he found love again when he married Doris Fisher (Pettit), whom he first met in the Civil Air Patrol in Kalispell, Montana. The Civil Air Patrol offered him an opportunity to volunteer his services as a newly licensed private pilot and he eventually rose to the position of Montana Wing Commander. Their Valentine's Day wedding was a beautiful celebration of their shared values and love for family, attended by uniformed Civil Air Patrol cadets. Together, they blended their families, and Jan took on his role as stepfather to Doris' children--Mary, Indigo, and Franklin—with open arms and a big heart. They later adopted Charlotte, completing their vibrant family. Jan was not just a father; he was their biggest supporter, sharing wisdom and laughter, and offering help whenever they needed it.

Jan loved the outdoors; he was an avid hunter and enjoyed prospecting, even if he confessed that he wasn't very good at it. He was a talented handyman, working with Doris on numerous home improvement projects. He had a contagious sense of humor and a talent for storytelling, always ready to share a tale that would have everyone laughing. He had a knack for keeping life entertaining.

After many years of work as an environmental technician at Columbia Falls Aluminum Company, Jan retired in 1998. Eventually, he and Doris settled in Colville, Washington, where Charlotte completed her education and married. After Covid 19 hit, the two wanted to find a home where they could still have the open air and freedom that Montana had given them. After researching towns in Wyoming that were safe, affordable and a good place to live, they discovered Worland. When Jan found out Worland had a Toastmasters club, an organization he was passionate about, that sealed the deal and they packed their bags. They made friends right away, from their church family at Zion Church, to the local prospector's club. Jan never met a stranger and was welcomed into the small-town community. In recent years he struggled with dementia, eventually moving to Wyoming Retirement Center where he would have the care he needed. He never forgot Doris's face, though; even in his last days he would tell the nurses that his "beautiful wife" had arrived every time she came to see him. It was truly a love that lasted forever.

Jan was preceded in death by his brother, Lynn (Debbie) Van Hoven, and grandchildren Verity and Micah Evensen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Doris; brother, Kent (Judy) Van Hoven, children, stepchildren and his beloved 17 grandchildren.

A celebration of Jan's life will be held later, when those who knew him best can come together to share their favorite stories and honor a remarkable man. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Caregiver Action Network. https://caregiveraction.networkforgood.com/projects/15339-caregiver-action-network . Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.