Douglas Ross VanVlymen, 69, of Burr Ridge, died Aug. 1, 2023, five days after his heart stopped suddenly while enjoying a day on Lake Michigan with his family.
He was born in Aurora in 1954 to Betty Jean VanVlymen, nee Miedema, and John VanVlymen.
A third-generation meat purveyor, Doug grew in experience working for various food companies, but he had a dream to own his own business. With Corrie's support and his brother's help, he unleashed his remarkable work ethic and built Four Star Foods from a single stall on Fulton Market, Chicago, in 1992 into a thriving wholesale meat distribution business that proudly employs scores of people. And he loved every moment.
He was so proud to witness how Paul and Kaite led the business since his retirement in 2018. In the last five years he doubled down on time spent with Corrie, enjoying his family and friends, boating and golf. A warm and joyful man, Doug had a gift for making each person he encountered feel special. His loving presence lives on in the many lives he touched.
The family thanks the medical team at Franciscan Healthcare in Michigan City for its caring service during Doug's last days.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Corrie, nee Carron; his children, Paul (Gretchen) and Kaite (Tim) Marshall; his grandchildren, James and Maggie VanVlymen, and Dillan and Taylor Marshall; his stepfather, Robert Berg; his siblings, Jaquelyn (the late Dennis) Getz, Barbara VanVlymen and Drew (Margaret) VanVlymen; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation is at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 306 W. Fourth St., Hinsdale.
A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10 a.m. at the church.
Interment in private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made online to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at givenow.lls.org or the American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org.
Sullivan Funeral Home in Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
