Dr. Harold J. Van Kley, Phd

Harold Van Kley passed away early Sunday Morning at Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, IL. at the age of 80. He had advanced vascular dementia. He was predeceased by his wife Helen Priscilla VanKley nee Hawks of fifty three years by two months. Also predeceasing him were his Mother and Father, Jacob and Dora VanKley and his sister Marge Speelman. Surviving him are his children Michael VanKley and Cynthia VanKley as well as grandchildren Shaun, Michael, Amber, Michelle, and Nicholas VanKley. He is survived also by his sister Joanne Sweetman of Michigan and her three children, nephews and nieces and grandchildren.
Harold was raised in the Christian Reformed Faith. His schooling consisted of: Chicago Vocational High School, one year at the University of Illinois on Navy Pier, three years at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and four years at the University of Wisconsin where he received a PhD in biochemistry. From there he taught at St. Louis University, and met his late wife Helen whom he married on September 12, 1959. They traveled to Sweden where he studied under Dr. Doisy at Uppsala University and in 1964 he obtained a U.S. Grant to do research at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis.
During that time, he became an elder in the Covenant Presbyterian Church and served on the Covenant Seminary Board for a period of twenty years. In 1981, he moved his family to the Chicago land area and taught at Trinity Christian College until his retirement, remaining in Palos Hills until his death. Harold was a devout Christian who attended the Orland Park Christian Reformed Church and a great help to college students seeking a career in the medical field. He was a devoted Father and Grandfather and always active in church. He survived a major heart attack in the1990’s which significantly prolonged his life. Harold truly loved teaching and seeing his students achieve their goals. His helpfulness and consideration for others will be greatly missed. Viewing is at the Colonial Chapel 15525 S.73rd Avenue(155th/Wheeler Drive &Harlem) Orland Park on Wednesday January 16th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and the funeral on Thursday January 17th at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Erffmeyer presiding. Burial at Fairmont-Willow Hills Cemetery. Lunch afterwards at Mama Luigie’s 7500 s. Harlem Ave. Bridgeview.