F. Van Ampting

F. "Van" Van Ampting, the son of Anton and Theodora (Hendrickson) Van Ampting, was born August 18, 1926, in Bellwood, NE. His childhood years were spent in Bellwood where he attended school and graduated from Bellwood High School. Further education included two years of business school in Omaha, NE. On August 17, 1944 Van entered the military where he served with the Army until his honorable discharge on November 26, 1946. Van was united in marriage to Marie Walstrom in Omaha, NE. On June 12, 1963, Van was married to Leona Falk Grafentin in Spencer, IA. Throughout his life Van was a well-known restaurateur in the food service industry. He owned many restaurants which include the Pancake House, Village Inn, Villager, Catering Kitchen, Little Tommy Tucker Restaurant, Little Tommy Tucker Cinnamon Rolls and Waffle Fries. He was involved in every aspect of these endeavors, from initial planning to custom design to menu selection. Van franchised the Villager restaurants in Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri. He also franchised Little Tommy Tucker in Iowa, Montana and Nebraska. Van was innovative in the fast food industry. He was successful selling franchises in smaller communities that large chains wouldn't consider. In his free time, Van enjoyed traveling in his motor home but most of all he enjoyed being around his family. On January 13, 2008, Van passed away at Longhouse Residence in Spencer, Iowa, at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his wife, Leona; his parents; son, Robert Van Ampting; and grandson, Marcus Van Ampting. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Kent "Red" Van Ampting of Milford, IA, Karen (Rick) Aasgaard, Lake Mills, IA, and Vicki Grafentin of Milwaukee, WI (presently living in Panama); one daugter-in-law, Valorie Van Ampting of Spencer, IA; brothers and sisters: William Van Ampting of Lincoln, NE, Mary Taylor of Tucson, AZ, Paul (Gladys) Van Ampting of Chalmette, LA, Rosemarie (Paul) Bruckner of Schuyler, NE, Tony Van Ampting of Tucson, AZ, and Dorothy (Alan) Pokorny of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren: Aimee Aasgaard and boyfriend, Nick Kruse of Albert Lea, MN, Cassie Aasgaard of Albert Lea, MN, Jason Van Ampting of Spencer, IA, Lisa Van Ampting of Spencer, IA, Jamie Van Ampting of Sioux Falls, SD, and Justin Van Ampting of Webster City, IA; other relatives and friends.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT