John Van Nest

LOWVILLE – John Van Nest, 89, of Lowville, died Friday morning, March 25, 2016 at the Lewis County Residential Healthcare Facility, under the care of his family, staff, and Lewis County Hospice.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Katherine; five children, Susan D. and Chris Virkler of Croghan; Brenda L. Van Nest of Lowville; Christine M. Van Nest of Lowville; Stanley J. and Lynnette Van Nest of Lowville; Robert M. and Tracy Van Nest of Lowville; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary and Robert Burr of Lowville; Rachael Szucs of Greig; Joan Skiff of Glenfield; and a brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Shirley Van Nest of Lyons Falls; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by a son, John Gregory Van Nest, who died in infancy; and by two brothers, Robert Van Nest and William “Keith” Van Nest.

John was born on February 16, 1927 in the Town of Pinckney, NY, a son of the late Ferguson John and Anna McDonald Van Nest. He was raised on Tug Hill, and attended Lowville Academy.  John enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1944, serving in World War II, until his honorable discharge in July 1946. Mr. Van Nest enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1948, serving in the Korean War, until his honorable discharge in April 1952.  On June 14, 1958, he married Katherine D. Borowiec at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Father Edward M. Delaney officiating.  Mr. Van Nest worked at AMF Bowling Products, and later worked at Payne - Jones for many years.  He drove tractor-trailer for Teal’s Express for over 20 years, retiring in 1985.  Mr. Van Nest was a member of Teamsters Local #294.

Burial with Military Honors was held privately in Lowville Rural Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Lowville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 81, Lowville, NY  13367; or to Friends of Lewis County Hospice, P.O. Box 266, Lowville, NY 13367.

Condolences may be shared at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com .

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