Jeff Van Kanegan — Hansen-Spear

Jeffrey Allan “Jeff” Van Kanegan, age 72, of Quincy, died on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 4:18 am in Blessing Hospital.

Jeff was born on September 24, 1952 in Melrose Park, Illinois, a son of Jack Franklin and Harriet Louise Brenner Van Kanegan. He married Mary Ruxlow Powers on August 10, 2002 in St. Peters Lutheran Church in Coatsburg, Illinois. She survives.

He was a graduate of McHenry High School and Illinois State University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Art Education. Jeff taught visual arts at Camp Point Central High School in Camp Point, Illinois for 9 years. He then pursued professional graphic arts for 15 years, illustrating and designing educational material as an art director at Frank Schaffer Publications and International Fair, part of McGraw-Hill Children’s Publishing.

Jeff returned to education and classroom teaching at St. Peter School in Quincy. He then taught visual arts at Quincy Notre Dame High School, until his retirement in 2018. In retirement, Jeff continued to use his creative mind on artwork. He enjoyed creating functional pottery and painting pet portraits.

Jeff was a bass player and musician and played in several Quincy area bands, including The Cheeseburgers, Soul Shaker, The Eric McKay Band and many others. He had a passion for music and entertaining, and he was a steadying and guiding presence for many musicians.
After retiring, he painted hundreds of pet portraits. He had a unique and creative way of capturing the character and personality of his subjects.

As a beloved teacher, “Mr. V” touched thousands of lives and nothing brought him more joy than sharing his passion of creating art.
Jeff was an avid Cubs fan and loved going to Wrigley Field with family and friends.

Jeff was a humble man and never liked tooting his own horn. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His love of Mary was strong and evident at all times, especially during his final months.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Mary, include two sons, Mike (Michelle Merrill) Van Kanegan of Durham, North Carolina, and Tim (Natalie) Van Kanegan of Bloomington, Illinois; two step-children, Jenny (Scott) Jenkins of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Matt (Cathy) Powers of Highland, IL; four grandchildren, Indira, Maya and Neela Van Kanegan, and Gavin Van Kanegan; eight step-grandchildren, Maddox and Harper Hayden, Zach and Ava Jenkins, Logan and Layna Powers, and Brynn and Beau Battas; two brothers, Tom Van Kanegan and Marty (Janice) Van Kanegan; four sisters, Nancy Van Kanegan, Susie (Lonnie) Reitz, Jacki (Bob) Brunk, and Karen (David) Cardinal; two sisters-in-law, Janet Van Kanegan and Kathy (Stan) Schulz; two brothers-in-law, Tom (Anna) Ruxlow and Bob (fiancé Jancie Dalke) Ruxlow; numerous nieces and nephews; numerous supportive friends and bandmates who were like family; a special friend, Helen Langan; and his dog, Gracie.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Steve Van Kanegan, and two sisters-in-law, Sharon Van Kanegan and Mary Ruxlow.

Service: A private memorial service will be held at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, and a public celebration of Jeff’s life will be planned for the spring of 2025.

Memorial donations may be made to the QND Art Department. Memorial donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.