Karolus J. “Karel” van Ooyen, age 93, of Shelby, passed away peacefully at The Meadows in Galion, Ohio on Thursday, January 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, Paula, and three children Ken, Scott, and Brian.
Karel was born on August 24, 1931 in Hilversum, Netherlands, to Elbertus and Maria (Kormelinck) van Ooyen. He graduated from the Hilversum Trade School (Hilversum, Netherlands) in 1947 and served his required military duty with the Dutch Army for two years. After his service, he completed his Tool and Diemaker apprenticeship in 1951 with Philips Telecommunication Industries. In 1954, amongst family and friends, Karel married his loving wife of 70 years, Paula.
In 1955, the couple immigrated to Canada where they lived in Calgary for a year. They also lived in, Orillia, Canada and resided there for a year prior to immigrating to The United States of America to Bedford, Ohio where he worked for Ford Motor Company. In 1957, Karel and Paula moved to Shelby, Ohio and became US citizens in 1964. Karel began his Tooling and Diemaker career in 1957, working for Fisher Body Division of General Motors Corporation until he retired in 1993 after 36 years. Karel and Paula spent many years traveling to Ft. Myers, Florida during the winter months to escape the Ohio winters. While in Florida, he spent his free time lending his handyman skills to anyone in need. He also loved to boat and fish.
Karel is survived by his wife and children: Paula (Ruiter) van Ooyen of Shelby; sons: Ken (Julie) van Ooyen of Galion, Scott (Greg) van Ooyen of Columbus, Brian (Rhonda) van Ooyen of Hilton Head Island, SC. He was richly blessed with 6 grandchildren: Ben (Megan) van Ooyen, Chris (Jenna) van Ooyen, Jessica van Ooyen, Alexis van Ooyen, Adam van Ooyen; and 6 great-grandchildren: Olivia, Cleveland, Amelia, Elliott, and Banks; and numerous other relatives and friends. Karel was preceded in death by his parents; infant son: Richard John van Ooyen; infant grandchild: Sam; infant great granddaughter: Lena; and sister and brother-in-law: Wilhelmina and Henny Nap.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 12 noon-1 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm. Fr. Paul Fahrbach will officiate the services. Burial will be in Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby, OH 44875, where he was a longtime member, or The Lighthouse WHW, 449 Portland Way S, Galion, OH 44833.
Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com