Edward Van Peenen Ii

Anyone who has spent any amount of time in Valdosta, Georgia, over the past 50 or so years probably knew Edward Van Peenen, or at least remembers seeing him riding his bike through town, teaching in a classroom at Valdosta State University (VSU), working as a volunteer at the library or Community Soup Kitchen, ushering at the First United Methodist Church or attending the symphony and community theater productions (he always liked to sit in the front row). He was known for his white hair and his mode of transportation.

Edward grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1958. He received his bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College and his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. He taught physics at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, and then at Valdosta State University for 20 years. One summer he also taught physics to the crew aboard a U.S. Navy fast frigate on a Middle East tour. He really enjoyed that experience.

Although Edward was originally a Michigander, he adopted Valdosta as his home for many years. He loved the warm weather and the people. He opted to stay even after he left his teaching job at VSU.

Edward was an intensely private person. Although he enjoyed being around people, he cherished his independence and alone time. He lived life on his terms. He was always true to himself and never tried to be someone other than who he was.

He had a wonderful, curious mind. In his retirement years, he loved solving mentally challenging puzzles, listening to classical music and radio talk shows, acting in local plays and taking Learning in Retirement (LIR) classes.

He strongly believed in personal responsibility. He chose to live simply and frugally, but he was also surprisingly generous when it came to others.

He was especially pleased when ex-students would recognize him and stop to say hello. He was thrilled when one of them would say that he inspired them in some way.

As long as he was able, he liked keeping active and having a routine. On a typical day, he would make his rounds, usually on his bike, which included shopping (always on the alert for bargains), reading the paper and surfing the Net at the library, and weighing himself once a week on the scale at a local supermarket. Staying trim was important to him.

Edward died on September 27, 2019 at the age of 79. He was the son of Edward Van Peenen and Jean Schipper Van Peenen, both deceased. He is survived by his sister, Mitzi Norman of Portage, Michigan, and several cousins. Edward will be laid to rest in Kalamazoo, Michigan. At his request, no services will be held.

In his final days, Edward felt blessed to have some very special people in his life, especially Dr. Charles and Nancy Hobby of Valdosta. Through their caring and kindness, he was able to approach the end of life with restful reassurance.

As his sister, I would like to say thank you to Dr. Charles and Nancy Hobby; all those he knew through LIR, Theatre Guild Valdosta, and the First United Methodist Church of Valdosta; his advisors; his teaching colleagues; and his medical providers for the friendship, acts of kindness, and care given my brother. Edward was a good man. Please keep a warm memory of a good time, or times, you may have shared with him close to your heart.