Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Brian Van Meter passed away Friday, December 16, after a battle with Neuroendocrine Cancer.
He was born in Charleston, W. Virginia, to Harry D. Van Meter and Bonnie J. (Paden) Van Meter.
Brian graduated from Perkins High School in 1970, continuing his education at the University of Mount Union for 1 year, then finished his degree at Ohio University with a BS in Education in 1975. Brian took a year off school to travel to the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany, then staying a year in Europe playing basketball for Universität's Sportsclub München Basketball. After graduating his first job was at Southwood Racquet Club becoming the General Manager.
He married his wife of almost 36 years, Sharon (Burris Kohlmyer), on January 13, 1981. His profession moved them 9 times in those 35 years. Brian was a well-known and Prominent Asset Manager for some of the largest Real Estate Companies in America. He and Sharon were known for their ability to create value at whatever asset or assets they managed. He retired and bought a condo in Lenoir City, TN. He was bored so called a friend that owned Zermatt Resort in Midland, UT and went to work as a bellman. He said it was the most fun and rewarding job where he met some special lifelong friends. He and Sharon purchased an RV intending to travel, then she became ill and they moved back to Lenoir City where she passed. In 2017 he reconnected with a high school friend, and after a 2-year long distance relationship, he moved back to the Sandusky area with Vicki (Anderson) Kinney, a widow as well.
In our short 6 years together, I admired the person Brian was. He had a huge generous heart, made me smile every day, and we just enjoyed being together. He kept in touch with so many cherished friends, always sending cards and making calls. His highlight every week was getting together with his friends to play pinochle. He always had an aquarium, cats, dogs, birds, ferret, and probably more I don't know about. He loved his animals. He will be dearly missed by so many.
Brian is survived by Vicki and her children, Michael and Melissa Leimeister, and Nathan and Jessie Kinney, special cousins and an aunt in Hillsboro, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sharon, and his brother, David Van Meter.
Per Brian's request, he will be cremated and buried in Hillsboro, IL near his wife and his parents.
There will be a Memorial Service Thursday, December 21st at Trinity United Methodist Church 214 E. Jefferson St., Sandusky, OH 44870, where friends may gather from 9:30 A.M. until time of the Memorial Service at 10:00 A.M. Live streaming will be available on the Trinity United Methodist Church Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist, 214 E. Jefferson St., Sandusky, OH 44870, the Humane Society of Erie County 1911 Superior St., Sandusky, OH 44870, or to one's favorite charity.
