Geoffrey Jon VanDeusen Sr., affectionately known to many as “Mr. Milk,” passed away peacefully after a life marked by hard work, adventure, loyalty to family, and remarkable personal strength.
Born on November 10, 1938, in Evanston, Illinois, Geoffrey was the son of Alfred and Louise VanDeusen. He graduated from Evanston High School as a member of the Class of 1957 and went on to serve his country in the United States Army as an engineer. He later built a respected career as the owner of VanDeusen Distributing, providing dairy products to his community and earning the nickname that followed him for decades “Mr. Milk” a reflection of both his profession and the relationships he built along the way.
Geoffrey was a proud Chicago sports fan throughout his life, faithfully supporting the Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks through every season. He also loved auto racing and enjoyed the freedom of riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Beyond his work and hometown loyalties, he embraced adventure as a Master Scuba Diver and traveled extensively around the world exploring the oceans he loved with his beloved wife, Peggy Arnold VanDeusen. He also found great joy and companionship in his dog Arnold, lovingly named in honor of Peggy and her family maiden name and in the memory of his faithful canine companion Morty, who preceded him in death.
One of Geoffrey’s greatest accomplishments and a source of deep pride to him and those who knew him was his 47 years of sobriety. His strength, perseverance, and commitment to recovery served as an inspiration to many.
On August 8, 1992, Geoffrey married Peggy Arnold VanDeusen, with whom he shared many meaningful years of companionship and partnership until her passing. He cherished his role as husband, father, grandfather, and devoted companion to those he loved most.
Geoffrey is survived by his son, Geoffrey Jon VanDeusen Jr. and wife, Gretchen VanDeusen; his stepsons, David and Richard Spasojevich; his brother, Tom VanDeusen of Midway, Arkansas; and his beloved grandchildren, Geoffrey Jon VanDeusen III, proudly named after his grandfather, Anna, and Adeline, all of whom lovingly knew him as “Grampsie.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Louise VanDeusen; his wife, Peggy Arnold VanDeusen; his sister, Sue; and his beloved dog Morty.
An internment ceremony will be held in Crystal Lake, Illinois, at a date to be announced later.
Geoffrey will be remembered for his resilience, hard work, commitment to service, adventurous spirit, devotion to family, and his ability to make people laugh. His amazing smile, quick wit, and unmistakable presence left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through the family he loved and the many lives he touched along the way. As he said numerous times, “I lived a life that everyone dreams of and I have no regrets”.