Gordon K. Van Dyke Obituary (1926 - 2016)

Gordon K. Van Dyke, 89, of Bloomington, died at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal.There will be a private graveside service at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bloomington at a later date. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Marys Catholic Church, Bloomington.To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.He was born May 12, 1926 in Cooksville, son of Charles Roy and Mildred Ann Fossett Van Dyke. He married Betty C. Cumpston on October 16, 1950. He later married Farol Renner on April 25, 1970 in Beardstown, she preceded him in death on March 23, 2001. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lois Wilson.Surviving are three daughters, Janette Egbers, Lisa (Richard) Joupperi and Julie Myers, all of Bloomington; eight grandchildren, Lori (Jim) Morris, Aaron (Lora) Egbers, Ryan (Deandra) Myers, Molly (Stephen Linksvayer) Myers, Chase (Katie) Myers, Annie Myers and Thomas and Harrison Egbers. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren, Austin, Allie, Nicholas, Julia, James, Ella, Ava Grace, Owen and Victoria; two brothers, Robert (Connie) Van Dyke of Morton and Franklin (Micki) Van Dyke of Atlanta, GA and one sister, Donna Fogal of Flossmoor.He was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Gary Egbers.Gordon was a United States Army veteran, having served from 1944 to 1946 in artillery. After his military service, Gordon pursued a career in the minor leagues with the Chicago Cubs in 1948, and became a major league pitcher for the Cubs in 1950. His career ended with an injury at Wrigley Field in 1952. Even though Gordon did not see the Cubs win a World Series, he always said, It will happen some day!rnrnHe retired from Davis Firestone, Bloomington, as General Manager. He enjoyed spending his winters in Florida and even traveled with his cat, Callie, whom he loved dearly.Gordon will be remembered, by those who knew him, for his infectious smile, his quick wit and his great sense of humor.