Gerald Van Buren

Gerald Van Buren, 80, former Ritzville resident, passed away Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021 at his home from congestive heart failure. He was born March 8, 1941 in Ritzville, to Karl and Esther (Buscher) Van Buren, joining his sister Milly and brother Don. The family moved to Lewiston, Idaho in 1957.

Gerald graduated in 1959 from Lewiston High School. He was drafted into the US Army in 1966 and served two years, including one year in Viet Nam. He really appreciated the Ritzville Class of 1959 inviting him back to the reunions. He said it was so nice to renew old friendships and to see everyone. He and Pat were made to feel very welcome during these gatherings.

He was married to Patricia Heuett for 52 years and the father of two girls, Lynette Kinzer, Karla Manchester; and one grandson, Thayne Manchester.

Gerald is survived by his wife Pat; daughters Lynette (Jeff) Kinzer, Karla Manchester (Ted Allison) and grandson Thayne Manchester, step-grandchildren, Zack, Bailey and Chase; step great-grandson Grayson; brother Don Van Buren and family of Lewiston, Idaho, Milly Olden and family of Renton, Wash, and other family members’.

Memorial services will be later in the spring as the weather and Covid permit. Memorials may be made to your choice or to the Joe Thometz 4-H Scholarship fund, 1239 Idaho St. Lewiston, Idaho, 83501. Mailing address for the family is 618 Tammany Creek Road, Lewiston, Idaho 83501.