Neil "John" J. Van Asch

Neil J. “John” Van Asch, age 67, of Belleville, IL, born on July 31, 1956, in St. Louis, MO, died on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at BJC Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

He worked for the Belleville Parks and Recreation Department doing anything from Scorekeeping Slow-Pitch Softball to delivering fliers for upcoming program offerings. Neil was a member of the Missouri Aquarium Society.  Neil was devoted to his wife, family, and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his children and their families, trivia, bowling, and all things fish. Neil loved coaching and watching sports. He enjoyed traveling and attending fish auctions and swap meets. Neil was known as the ‘Oatmeal Man’. Weekly, he took boxes of instant oatmeal to the Catholic Urban Programs office in Belleville.

The family would like to thank all who helped him in his battle with cancer, from the staff at Dr. Jacoby’s office to the Oncology and ICU Staff at BJC.

He was preceded in death by his step-father, J.B. Davis; father-in-law, Anthony F. Leveling; mother-in-law, Ruth G. Leveling; and brothers-in-law, Mike Scannell and Bob Leveling.

Neil is survived by his wife, Peggy A. Van Asch, nee Leveling; his children, Neil (Megan), Tommy (Marie), Greg, Steven (Abby); and his grandchildren, Kailie, Ella, James, and Ruthie. Neil is also survived by his mother, Patricia Davis, sister, Debbie (Mike) Merlenbach, and his in-laws, Tony (Cheri) Leveling, Barb Leveling, Susan Scannell, and his brother from another mother, Greg (Sue) Leveling, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Urban Program or Gateway Pet Guardians. 

Memorial Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL. 

Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL, with Father Bill Mc Ghee officiating.  A Celebration of Life will continue afterwards until 8:00 p.m.

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