Prominent Southland Floral Wholesaler Dies

90-year-old Palos Park resident and prominent Southland business owner Jacob Van Namen died at his home on March 31.

The Dutch emigrant is well known for founding Vans Floral Products out of Alsip. Formerly DeBoer Wholesale Florists, Van Namen quickly took control of the company around 1960 and renamed it. “Van” grew the business from a single Chicago location to twelve distribution centers among six states by the ‘90s.

Beyond business, Van Namen was involved in a slew of non-profit and religious organizations, including serving as trustee of Trinity Christian College and board member for various national floral associations. Perhaps most impressive, however, is Van Namen’s designation of Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau—the highest award achievable in the Netherlands. He received it for his work in promoting Dutch-U.S. trade relations.

Van Namen is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rita; his kids Jack, John, Joyce and Jim; 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 3 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. in Orland Park. Services will be Thursday, April 4 beginning at 11 a.m. at Faith Christian Reformed Church, 8383 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park. A private burial is scheduled at Fairmount–Willow Hills Cemetery.

You can find the Van Namen’s complete obituary on the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home website.