Emory Edward Van Hook
Saturday, May 21, 1927
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Age:
85 years old
Saturday, May 21, 1927
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Age:
85 years old
Saturday, May 21, 1927
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Age:
85 years old
Emory Edward Van Hook
Emory was born on May 21, 1927 at St. Mary’s Hospital to Emery and Ethel (Harris) Van Hook. He graduated from Rochester High School and immediately enlisted in the US Navy to fight in the South Pacific in World War II. Upon his return after the war, he completed a degree in hairdressing at the Rogers School of Hair Design in Minneapolis. He married Dorothy Marie McCarthy, a hairdressing colleague, on November 11, 1948, Armistice/Veterans Day and the only day they both had off, at Our Lady of Lake Catholic Church in Mound, MN.
He owned and operated beauty salons in Rochester at Miracle Mile and Northgate Center starting in the 1950s. Once semi-retired, he managed and operated beauty salons in several retirement and assisted living facilities in Rochester, including Madonna Towers and Bethany Samaritan.
Emory and his wife were active members of the St. Francis Faith Community. He was particularly honored to be a Eucharistic Minister and loved taking the Blessed Holy Communion to those unable to leave their homes. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he rose to the level of Fourth Degree and served as Faithful Navigator and Grand Knight. He was proud of the Knights of Columbus as the symbolic defenders of the Catholic faith. Emory was an avid supporter of the Boy Scout of America in his youth and adulthood, and was instrumental in bringing the love, respect, and skills of outdoor life to many young men, including his own three sons. He was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award – one of the highest honors awarded to adult scouts. Emory was also an avid gardener and enjoyed collecting and creating beautiful and unusual walking canes.
Dorothy, his wife of over 64 years, two daughters, and three sons survive him: Jane (John) Olive of Mantorville, John (Julie) Van Hook of Kasson, Daniel (Connie Bruce) Van Hook of Rochester, James (Amy) Van Hook of Portland, OR, and Tami (Jamie) White of LaGrange, GA. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Heidi, Jennifer, Melissa, Jordan, Alison, Katelyn, Duncan, Elizabeth, Victoria, Keegan, Hunter, Ainsley, and Kassidy; and seven great-grandchildren. Two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild are expected. His sister, Carolyn Kittley, and his grandson, Emery Van Hook, preceded him in death.
The family extends our thanks and gratitude for the wonderful care he received from the pulmonary physicians and staff of Domitilla 6B over the last month as well to the Olmsted Medical Center who supported him every step of the way these past few years.
Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Emory Edward Van Hook has received the following condolences.
Dear Dot and family:
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. My brother Tom called me yesterday to tell me that Van had passed. Because I was more involved (being the older child) with your family, Caroline/Bob, Ethel and Emery thru the years of the Double E Square Dancing, etc.....Tom wanted me to tell him about the things we did and the names of the people in the group. It brought back many fond memories for sure...those were grand times for us all. Please tell Jane (as she and I were close in age) hello, and that I am so sorry that her father passed away. My dad (as you know) died on Oct. 23rd and it was definitely a shock and not expected. I guess we just think we will have our loved ones in our lives forever sometimes....Tom will be attending the Mass celebrating Van tomorrow (Wed) and representing our family, "The Wooner" family....as he is the only one living in town currently. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers throughout tomorrow and the following days. God Speed, Linda (Wooner) Dwyer-Petersen (Newport Bch, CA.)
I wish to extend to the Van Hook family my condolence for your loss. I personally knew Emory for many years while serving in various leadership positions within the Knights of Columbus. It was Emory with Dotty's support that made my two years as the Faithful Navigator so successful. He gave of his time serving beverages to our ladies and members; he led the honor guard when our local bishop joined with us to march on Planne Prenthood. He stood in many meeting voicing opinions on matters that came before the assembly, and through his wisdom and guidance, issues were properly debated and adopted. In conversation with him, he was so proud of his family; his wife, children, and great grand children. He stood proud of the name, Van Hook. I became his friend, and he and Dotty shaired their love and hospitality with me. Oh how he could make a wonderful brandy martini. Knowing both Emory and Dotty made me a much better person, and sadly, I will not be able to be there to pay my respects.
I pray that our blessed Lady and her Son bless the Van Hook family with the blessings and graces for healing and consolation.
Berry Hobbs, PGK, FDD, PFN