Don Larry Van Alst

Don Larry Van Alst passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17, in his home in Toledo, Ohio with loved ones close to his bedside. Don was born on December 2, 1923 in Gibsonburg, Ohio to Bryan and Mabel Van Alst where he and his three brothers, Rex, Dick and Vane grew up and worked on the farm. It was in this small town that he fainted when first seeing a bull dehorned, saw the original King Kong film in 1933 which prompted him to run from the theater in terror, and the family once crossed the frozen Portage River in a Model A Ford. “Larry” (as we know him) went on to join the US Navy with his brothers and serve in World War II. He traveled the world, having been stationed on the USS Iowa and served in the Philippines, Guam, New Guinea and Australia. It was during this time that fate led him to Patricia Queer, who would become his wife of sixty-two years. Together, Pat and Larry had five children: Susan Ott (married to Bill), Diana Sahadi (married to Robert), Mark Van Alst (married to Georgia), Bryan Van Alst (who we love), and Julia Russo (married to Damiano). Larry was a wonderful grandfather to Andrea Slaughter, Eric, Nicholas, Matthew and Christina Sahadi, Christopher, Abigail and Elizabeth Van Alst, and Gianpaolo, Vittorio, Donato and Giuliano Russo. He also went on to enjoy being a great-grandfather to Logan Van Alst, Logan and Brekelle Kreger, Alexa Slaughter Thomas and Sarah Slaughter, John and Teddy Sahadi; great great granddaughter, Lydia Rose Thomas. Larry was known for his warm, cheerful and easy-going personality, hard work ethic and selfless generosity. Due to his slow and steady pace in all aspects of life, he earned the nickname “Cannonball” from his coworkers at General Mills where he worked for thirty years. Now, Larry crosses that final river where his parents and brothers, countless other family members and friends, and God all greet him with smiles and open arms. The music of Larry’s life reverberates through the generations and will forever live in the memories we hold close to our hearts. Visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home on Sylvania Avenue on Friday, December 18, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and the funeral will be held at Blessed Sacrament church at 10:00 am Saturday, December 19. Memorials may be made to Stroke Life Center, Inc.