William E. Van Pelt, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born March 14, 1925, in St. Louis, to William E. and Gertrude Gralike Van Pelt Sr. He and Jerre Story were married Nov. 7, 1968, in Cape Girardeau.

Mr. Van Pelt served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1953.

He was an administrator in the health care field. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and VFW Post 3838.

Survivors include his wife, Jerre Van Pelt of Cape Girardeau; two sons, James William Van Pelt and wife Nancy of Orlando, Fla., Thomas Van Pelt and wife Cindy of Shawnee, Kan.; a sister, Dottie Riefle and husband Vern of Kirkwood, Mo.

Also seven grandchildren, Chris Van Pelt, Robert William Van Pelt and wife Megan, Jessica Jane Van Pelt, Lucas James Van Pelt, Alex Van Pelt, Ben Van Pelt, Emma Van Pelt; six great-grandchildren, Mallory Van Pelt, Jaxon Robert Van Pelt, Liberti Page Van Pelt, Reese Van Pelt, Calix Jaden Van Pelt, Logan Van Pelt; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Judy Green and Tom and Betty Story.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robert Edward Van Pelt; and a grandchild, David Edward Van Pelt.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Vincent de Paul Church, with the Rev. David Hulshof officiating. Burial will follow in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield, with full military rites provided.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.