Larry J. Van Norman

Larry Van Norman was born December 11, 1946 in Chicago, lived in Lansing, IL most of his life. He unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his Dyer, IN home on the morning of Oct 7th, 2024.

Raised as a youth across from his soon to be high school, T.F. South, Larry met life-long friends and was given the nickname “The Flash” for his stylish dress and loveable personality. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force during the height of the Vietnam War serving from 1966-70. Because he was fluent in Russian from high school courses and tested with a high IQ, Larry was sent to serve in a secret U.S. intelligence agency in Turkey for his entire four years.

A lover of education, Larry attended Grand Valley State but quickly transferred to study Economics at Northern Illinois University. Snatched from college, he was hired by U.S. Steel South Works division as an Accountant. His steadfast rise working in various U.S. Steel divisions throughout his career, Larry ended his tenure as a Cost Accounting Supervisor when the steel titan shut down that mill in 1989.  His superior knowledge of technology warranted his Computer Technician position at ITW and later, his role as Network Administrator for Intech EDM.

Many passions fueled Larry’s life like traveling on ski slopes, sandy beaches, or Blue Ridge mountains with his wife and loved ones. A voracious reader, he would quickly devour books from scholars, mathematicians, astro-physicists, herbalists and novelists. He loved birdwatching, astronomy, all types of music, and drinking coffee. He was Cliff Richard’s greatest fan. His proudest moments in life were supporting and cheering on his children and grandchildren in their own passions, especially baseball. He appreciated helping others without reservation and his legendary kindness knew no bounds.

Family was the most important part of Larry’s life. His legacy continues with his loving family: daughter Holly (Peter) Paplomatas, son Chris (Kathleen) Van Norman, stepdaughter Michele (Michael) Reynolds, brother Thomas Van Norman and grandchildren Nolan and Colin Maurer, Luke and Liam Paplomatas, Lucas and Keegan Van Norman, and Monica, Michael and Thomas Reynolds. He was proceeded in death by his parents Irene (nee Schafer) and Vernon Van Norman and his cherished wife Donna Van Norman.

Visitation is Monday, Oct 14th from 3-8:00 pm at Smits Funeral Home, located at 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, in Dyer. The Funeral service is Tuesday, Oct 15th at 11:30 am with a brief blessing at Smits Funeral Home. The final resting place will be at Abraham Lincoln Military Cemetery in Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers please provide random acts of kindness to others or send contributions to the National Breast Cancer Foundatio n.

For more information contact 219.322.7300 or visit SMITS guestbook online.