W.F. “Van” Vancleeve

W.F. “Van” Vancleeve passed away peacefully in Billings, Montana, nearly three months to the day after the love of his life, Dee. Born in Afton, Texas, to William Fletcher and Myrtle Vancleeve, Van was a kind and gentle soul who lived a quiet life of purpose, dedication, and service—to his family, his country, and his community. Though he spent most of his adult life in Montana, his Texas roots ran deep. His love for dogs and horses endured throughout his life, and his Texas drawl could still be heard in his voice until the very end.

Van met Dee while they were both stationed at Treasure Island in San Francisco with the U.S. Navy. They married and began a lifelong adventure together, raising three children as they moved with the Navy to places like Alameda, Guam, and San Diego. Van proudly served 20 years in the Navy, beginning as an enlisted sailor and working his way up to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO2) through hard work and quiet determination. After retiring from the Navy, the family settled in Great Falls, Montana, where Van continued his career and eventually retired as Vice President of Glacier State Electric. They later moved to Billings to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Van was a wonderful father who quietly led by example. He coached his son’s football and baseball teams and later helped sponsor a women’s softball team through Glacier State Electric—one that both of his daughters proudly played on. He was always in the stands cheering on his kids and grandkids—and was even known to show up at practices just to lend his support. Whether on the field or from the bleachers, Van showed up—steadfast, encouraging, and full of pride.

He was actively involved in his community along the way. Van served as Past-President of both the Great Falls Kiwanis and the Quarterback Club, was honored as Toastmaster of the Year by his Toastmasters club in Great Falls, and also volunteered for the Big Brother program. Wherever life took him, he found meaningful ways to connect and contribute.

In retirement, Van found joy and meaning in volunteering. At ZooMontana, he served as a docent and trainer, teaching children about porcupines, chinchillas, and other small animals. He loved animals of all kinds. He also played a key role in developing a disaster assistance team through Yellowstone County RSVP and was honored as one of the top 26 senior volunteers in the country with the MetLife Foundation’s Older Volunteers Enrich America Award. Ever humble, he said, “The award is nice, but there’s plenty of satisfaction in the work itself, whether it’s disaster planning or looking after animals at the zoo.”

Van will be remembered for his gentle nature, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. He was the knowing smile, the calm voice, the dependable one in any storm. Above all, he cherished his family and took pride in the closeness they shared.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bill Vancleeve; his sister, Irene Blasingame; and his beloved wife of 69 years, Dolores “Dee” Vancleeve. He is survived by their three children—Rick (Cindy), Melanie (Tony) Woolery, and Sandy (Lisa Walton); five grandchildren—Brandon (Anna), Colby (Katie), Spencer (Lorenzo) Vancleeve, Carlie Woolery, and Cassie (Jeremy) Todd; and eight great-grandchildren—Harlow, Jack, and Teddy Vancleeve; Savannah, Henry, and Jameson Todd; and Copper and Jett Vancleeve.

A joint Celebration of Life will be held on May 17th at 2:00 PM at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. All are welcome to attend and honor Van and Dee’s remarkable lives and the love they shared.