Albert Van Maren

Albert J. Van Maren, 78, of Harvard, IL died on July 13, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 26, 1942, in Des Plaines, IL to Albert and Ida (Hoffman) Van Maren. Al graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Illinois University and a  Master’s Degree from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. In college he played football and was on the wrestling team. In 2003, Al moved to Harvard, IL. Albert worked as a professor at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago, where he taught Sales and Marketing. He was the president of Sales and Marketing International (SMEI). Al was known for his entrepreneurial spirit.

Albert had a love for traveling and learning about different cultures around the world, especially Africa and Europe. He also was an alpaca farmer and enjoyed educating others about alpacas whenever he could. Throughout his life Al owned many businesses and enjoyed the field immensely.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Maples of Florence, AZ; former wife Kathleen (Buchmann) Van Maren, mother of sons Todd Van Maren of Cary, IL and Ryan Van Maren of Harvard, IL; daughter Sheri (LaRue) Oswald of Oakhurst, CA; brother Thomas Van Maren of Lake Geneva, WI; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and step-sister Grace (Van Zanden) Durham.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 E. Diggins St. Harvard, IL 60033. The service will be livestreamed and available through Trinity Lutheran’s Facebook page.  An informal visitation and gathering with food and drinks will be held immediately after the services at 19860 Lembcke Road, Harvard, IL, 60033.

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