Albert J. Van Hoecke

Obituary
Albert J. Van Hoecke, age 94, transitioned to heaven June 3, 2022. A first generation Belgian American, Albert lived all of his life in Kansas City, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his wife Frances, daughter Melissa (Jeff Witthar), sons Steve (Denise) and Mark (Cindy), and grandson Taylor Witthar. Surviving family members include: Daughter Diane (Jim Keane); sons Wes, David (Patty), and Dan (Sherry); sister Wanda Woodrum and her daughters Debbie and Tammy. Albert is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews of whom he was so very fond of.
A devout Catholic, Albert loved and doted upon his family. Among his favorite activities were bowling, playing the harmonica, fishing, hunting, and camping. He was the ultimate Cookie Monster, ready to treat the children from his roaring "Git yo hands outta my cookie jar" lion.
Sergeant Albert Van Hoecke proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Police Action (War).
Albert worked well into his 80s designing commercial and residential HVAC systems, first for Troug & Nichols and then Environmental Mechanical Contractors. One could always expect the utmost professionalism and fairness when consulting with Albert.
For 65 years, Albert was a member of the Knights of Columbus OHara Council #4387. He served as Grand Knight and was elected to State Secretary of the Missouri K of C. While in that position, Albert organized the Missouri Tootsie Roll Campaign for the Mentally Challenged. The campaign was later adopted nationally. He and his wife, Frances, enlisted the aid of their seven children during the Tootsie Roll days, teaching them about volunteerism and compassion for the less fortunate.
Big Al fashioned a bingo machine for Council #4387 and called bingo games for decades, bringing delight to many and funds to charities. To quote a fellow Knight, "Albert was a good man, a kind gentleman."
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, June 9th at St. Catherine of Siena Parish. Rosary will begin at 9 a.m. with visitation following. Mass will commence at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Raytown, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, and per Alberts request, contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Special Olympics, or a charity of your choosing. Albert was a conscientious donor to over thirty years.
(Arrg. Muehlebach Funeral Chapel)

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Rosary
Thursday, June 09, 2022
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

St. Catherine of Siena Parish 4101 E 105th TerrKansas City, Missouri 64137

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Visitation
Thursday, June 09, 2022
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Catherine of Siena Parish 4101 E 105th TerrKansas City, Missouri 64137

Directions
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, June 09, 2022
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Catherine of Siena Parish 4101 E 105th TerrKansas City, Missouri 64137

Directions
Burial
Thursday, June 09, 2022
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Mount Olivet Cemetery 7601 Blue Ridge BlvdKansas City, Missouri 64138

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