Johannes H. vanGaalen

May 31, 1941 - December 14, 2018

Johannes vanGaalen was born on May 31, 1941 in Bulgor, Indonesia. He was the second child of Corniallia and Garrett vanGaalen. During the war, he was placed in a Japanese concentration camp with his older sister, mother and aunt. After the war, they were sent to the Netherlands and he was reunited with his father who had been in another camp for military prisoners. He attended trade school and joined the Royal Dutch Navy with his sister, Irene. The family came to America in 1959 with 8 children to live in California.
He leaves behind his wife, Janet. They were married for 41 years. He also leaves behind 5 children, Janell, Deanna, Tanya from a previous marriage, David & Steve. He had 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren who all called him Opa. He was one of 11 children with 6 sisters and 4 brothers. All but the youngest are still living.
He died December 14, 2018 after living in his beloved home in Tennessee, watching the animals on his property and loving on the great grandchildren (babies). He will be greatly missed by all the family and friends that he touched in his life.