William Melvin Van Duyn

William Melvin Van Duyn, age 93, of Lansing, IL, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025. He is survived by his daughter, Verla (Chris) Demopoulos, and son, Brian Van Duyn; grandchildren, Greg (Maria) Demopoulos, Nick Demopoulos, Melissa Demopoulos, Alex (Jena) Van Duyn; great grandchildren, Alexi (Kayla) Demopoulos, Kloe Demopoulos, Eli (Emily) Demopoulos, Myles Demopoulos, Eva Demopoulos, Ari Demopoulos, Ezra Demopoulos, Harrison Van Duyn, Henry Van Duyn; great great grandson James Wiliam Demopoulos; sister-in-law Rosemary Ale; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his beloved wife Marilyn, son William “Butch” Van Duyn, parents, siblings, and siblings-in-law.

Bill was the youngest of six children. Growing up, he absolutely adored his mother and grandmother, and his siblings often agreed that he was completely spoiled. Bill was larger than life, with a big, bright smile and a personality to match. He was warm, witty, kind, and generous, famous for giving the best hugs. His unfiltered honesty and sharp one-liners kept everyone entertained - everyone except his wife, who endured them with love and an eye roll or two. Wherever Bill went, fun and laughter naturally followed.

An avid fisherman, some say he was born with a fishing pole in his hand. As a boy, he would often take it to school, hiding it behind the outhouse where he would make a trip to use the facilities and not come back. He shared this love with the next generation. It was not uncommon for Bill to take the kids to the river, tie them to a nearby tree, and put a fishing pole in their hands. Some of his last happy moments were fishing with his grandson, Nick, and great-grandson, Alexi. 

Bill served his country with honor as a Purple Heart Army veteran of the Korean War, a chapter of his life he carried with immense pride. A gifted, self-taught musician, he fell in love with bluegrass and country music at a young age. He built his first guitar as a boy and taught himself to pick, a talent that later brought comfort and joy to the troops he entertained at the K-8 airbase in Korea, where he and his friend Don performed “Songs and Guitar” for the program.

Of all the roles Bill held in life, his favorites were “Grampy” and “Uncle Bill.” He was the one you could always count on to listen, to share a bit of wisdom, and make you laugh, no matter how hard life felt. His affectionate spirit and steady presence created deep bonds with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Road), Highland, Indiana, 46322 on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, with the funeral service following immediately at 11:00 am. Pastor Andy Nearpass of Faith Church is officiating. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery, 1413 169th St, in Hammond, Indiana, following the funeral service. A meal for family and friends will be provided after the internment at Andorra Banquet Hall, 1112 US Hwy 41, Schererville, Indiana, beginning at approximately 1:00 pm.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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