Obituary of David Jon Van Goor

With dignity and surrounded by family, David Jon Van Goor passed away in peace in Sioux Falls at his sister's home on July 26, 2013, at the age of 56. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Dave at 10:30am Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton, with the Rev. Mark Lichter officiating. Dave's cremated remains will be interred Thursday at his father's gravesite. Visitation will be held from 4pm until 7pm on Tuesday, July 30, at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton, with rosary recitation and a video tribute at 7pm and a 7:30pm scripture service. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Born in Yankton on May 29, 1957, Dave excelled in track competition and his academic pursuits at Yankton High School, graduating in 1975. He pursued and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and was a member of Theta Tau Fraternity. Dave was widely recognized as a consummate and resourceful professional in his specialty area of flouropolymer applications, and established a successful career as a sales representative for Du Pont, for AGC Chemicals Americas and SCLC Technologies in Delaware, and later as a private technical consultant. Dave had numerous pursuits and pastimes, but his greatest pleasure was sharing his unshakeable optimism and encouragement with everyone he touched. His sense of humor and unique wit, coupled with his bright, ready smile, brightened the lives of all who were blessed to know him. He is lovingly remembered by his son, Justin, his mother, Marjorie; his brothers, Steve, Tony, and Joe; his sisters, Val, Lisa, and Jackie, other deeply cherished family members, and his numerous friends and associates. Dave is preceded in death by his father, Joseph F. Van Goor. Dave's brave struggle with his illness, and his priceless gifts to all of us during his well-lived time with us, surely have led to the joy and warmth with which he is now welcomed to his new life in the presence of the Lord. His brother Joe says it best: "One more race, my brother...just one more...and you have won...with Jesus and Dad at the finish line...with God's promise. I love you, now and forever!" In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dave's name may be sent to the Avera Hospice, 4509 South Prince of Peace Place, Sioux Falls, SD, 57103.