David Marc vanOrman, 67, of Pekin, IL., passed away at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, June 24, 2018, at his home. He was formerly of Green Valley, IL, where he was a farmer of 46 years.
Born Oct. 27, 1950, in Peoria to Forrest and Alverne (Craig) vanOrman, he married Sarah Whiteford on Aug. 21, 1971, in Manito. She survives.
Also surviving are his father and step-mother, Forrest and Marilyn VanOrman of Pekin; three daughters, Cydil Waggoner (Nathan) of Vlashaj, Albania, Jenny Shaw (Seth) of Bridgewater Corners, Vt., and Hannah vanOrman of Pekin; four grandchildren: Elisona and David Reni Waggoner and Tua and Pippa Shaw; one brother, Rick VanOrman of Forest City and six nieces and six nephews.He was preceded in death by his mother, Alverne in 1995.
David vanOrman was a 1968 graduate of Forman High School and a 1972 graduate of the University of Illinois. In January 1993, he visited the eastern European country of Albania on an agricultural mission trip. Shortly thereafter, he returned to Albania on a regular basis, along with his wife, Sarah and eventually established Planters Seed Foundation, which he was dedicated to for more than 20 years.
vanOrman’s engaging mannerisms endeared him to everyone he met. The lives of those around him were enriched by his candor and humility. He carried a spirit of genuine interest in the passions of others. His zest for farming closely paralleled his love for people and he spent his life investing in both with the knowledge that the yield would be eternal.
His funeral was Friday, June 29, in Delavan, IL. and burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Forest City, IL. Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Planters Seed Foundation, 2815 Black Oak Drive, Pekin, IL 61554.
