Ronald
Van Mynen was born on August 11, 1937, in Harvey, Ill., to Harry J.
Van Mynen and Henrietta Mulder Van Mynen. He passed away on April 30,
2025.
Ron
grew up in South Holland, Ill., a small Dutch farming community. He
graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree
in chemical engineering. He began his career with Union Carbide
Corporation, which spanned 38 years. During this period, Ron was a
leader in the chemical industry’s quest for excellence in Health,
Safety and Environment (H.S. and E.). When he retired in 1997, he had
achieved the position of corporate vice president of H.S. and E. He
was also chairman of the Chemical Manufacturers Association Health
and Safety Committee, president of the Chemical Industry Institute of
Toxicology board of directors, and president of the American
Industrial Health Council board of directors.
Ron
is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Janet Peterson Van
Mynen; brothers-in-law, David (Sandy) Peterson and Larry (Marieli)
Peterson; and two nieces, one nephew and their families. He was a
loving husband who supported Jan in many musical endeavors. Ron and
Jan lived in Illinois, Texas, California, West Virginia, Puerto Rico
and Connecticut during his career. Ron always became active in church
wherever they were and served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon,
treasurer, trustee, and building committee and church council
chairman. He was always an inspiration to the lives he touched and
had a very wise and generous spirit.
After
the Van Mynens retired to Vermont, Ron became an active volunteer in
Meals on Wheels, serving on the board of directors as president. He
really enjoyed delivering meals and having conversations with the
recipients. He was also involved in Rotary and received the Paul
Harris award.
One
of his greatest enjoyments was living on Lake Champlain: enjoying
sunsets, boating on the lake, welcoming family and friends to
beautiful Vermont to share in the beauty and serenity and, on
occasion, to watch the Patriots and Yankees in his “man cave.”
A
life well lived, he will be deeply missed. We love you.
The
memorial service will be on June 14, 2025, 2:30 p.m., at the
Shelburne United Methodist Church, 30 Church St., Shelburne, VT. In
lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Shelburne United Methodist Church, c/o Trustees Committee, PO Box 365, Shelburne, VT 05482.
Arrangements
are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send
online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.
This article appears in The Summer Preview 2025.