John M. Van Schoonhoven, 83, Rapid City, died Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at the VA Black Hills Health Care System at Fort Meade.

He was born September 20, 1924, at Colome, SD, to Walter and Effie (Billings) Van Schoonhoven. He attended country school where he received his education. He joined the Army in 1949 and served during the Korean War.

Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to South Dakota where he married Leona Bennett at Winner, SD on May 28, 1955. They lived in Winner, SD, for five years before moving to Rapid City, where John worked for the RC Water Department until his retirement in 1989.

John was a member of the Open Bible Christian Center in Rapid City. He loved hunting and working with wood.

Survivors include his wife, Leona Van Schoonhoven, Rapid City; two sons, Jim (Wendy) Van Schoonhoven, Williams, OR, and Tim Van Schoonhoven, Rapid City, SD; one brother, Walter Van Schoonhoven, Sparks, NV; one sister, Vera Van Schoonhoven, Winner, SD; two grandsons; and one granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, and one sister.

As per John's request, no services are planned. Inurnment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.