Peter James Van Drunen

Peter James Van Drunen, age 50, of St. John, Indiana, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Peter was the beloved husband of Toni Van Drunen, nee Jabaay, and the loving father of Nolan, Carson, and Paige. He was the devoted son of James and Patricia Van Drunen and son-in-law of Robert and the late Grace Jabaay. He was the dear brother of Mark (Sarah) Van Drunen and John (Lauren) Van Drunen, and brother-in-law of Michele (Michael) Martin, Scot (Jill) Jabaay, Candace (David) Lantz, Eric (Melissa) Jabaay, Wendi (James) Holleman, and Tami (Michael) Bultema. Peter was also a kind and dearly loved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Peter was a faithful Christian man whose life bore witness to the grace of God in Jesus Christ. He loved his family fiercely and served them with joy, strength, and steadfast devotion. His love for Toni, Nolan, Carson, and Paige was evident to all who knew him. He was a man who worked hard, gave generously, and never wanted the spotlight.

Peter always had a smile on his face and never knew a stranger. He had a rare gift for making people feel welcomed, known, and valued. Whether with family, friends, coworkers, or someone he had just met, Peter carried himself with warmth, kindness, humility, and genuine care. He was known for his kindness and grit, for dropping everything to help a friend, and for facing life’s hardships without complaint.

Peter was also famously known for drinking coffee at all hours of the day and night, a fitting picture of a man who was always on the move, always ready to work, help, laugh, and serve.

Peter was the owner of Blizzard Snow & Ice and worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator. He took pride in his work and was respected for his strong work ethic, dependability, and perseverance.

Peter loved spending time with his family and friends. He was deeply loved, and he will be dearly missed. Though his family and friends mourn his passing, they do not mourn as those without hope. Peter has finished his race after battling brain cancer for 24 years and has been welcomed into the arms of his faithful Savior.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 1:00–8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, Indiana.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Crown Point Christian Reformed Church, 909 E. Greenwood Ave., Crown Point, Indiana 46307. Interment will follow at Historic Maplewood Cemetery, 347 Maple Lane, Crown Point, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be given to BrainUp — Chicago at https://give.gofundme.com/PeterVanDrunen

Our Mission

BrainUp is an organization dedicated to bringing awareness to brain cancer – a disease that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. In this journey, we reassure patients and family members that they are not alone, and activate community involvement and engagement through fundraising events. From helping understand how to navigate treatment options to finding new treatments, BrainUp works tirelessly with patients, families, physicians and research professionals to one day find a cure.

For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit the online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com..