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Obituary:Earl Thomas Van Geem |
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Earl Thomas Van Geem March 11, 1925 - July 20, 2008 Beloved husband of 57 years of Margaret Grace Van Geem, the love of his life of San Mateo, CA. Loving father of Terrie Van Geem (Peter Fairchild) of San Mateo, Thomas (Joni) of Thousand Oaks, and Timothy (Erin) of Grass Valley. Survived by 13 grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces; and nephews. Born in Mansfield, OH, to Estella and PW "Bill" Van Geem, now deceased, and was preceded in death by his brothers: Jim and Jack Sr. He is survived by his sister Norma Schmidt of Fairfield, CA. A member of the "Greatest Generation", Earl served as an Army captain in WWII. A summa cum laude graduate in civil engineering from the University of Southern California, he used his engineering talents on major construction projects in Iran, Biafra, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Philippines, Nigeria, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Indonesia, Australia, Bahrain, and the United States. Well into his 70's, he worked for the City of Palo Alto and gratuitously, completed numerous projects for the elementary school at St. Matthews Catholic Church in San Mateo. Most recently, in his early 80's, he showed his writing talents in a book about his many engineering projects completed throughout his 45 year career with Pomeroy Construction and Santa Fe Drilling Corp. His second book captures the brilliant career of the Pomeroy Family and Pomeroy Construction Company. Earl had a sharp intellect and had a great sense of humor even during the waning last months of his wonderful life. Earl had many friends and he always helped others selflessly, whenever called upon. He is and will be missed truly. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Wednesday, July 30, at 10:30 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, 1310 Bayswater, Burlingame. The family requests that memorial contributions in Earl's name be made to the charity of your choice.
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