Russell Eugene Van Prooyen, age 65, of Vernal, passed away May 25, 2024, at the Uintah Basin Senior Villa in Roosevelt.
He was born September 1, 1958, in San Pablo, California, to Jan and Carolyn Clifton Van Prooyen. He married Geraldine Aura Lewis on November 4, 1978, in Reno, Nevada. They were sealed in the Sacramento Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 4, 2016. She died February 21, 2020.
Russell worked as a welder retrofitting bridges for earthquakes, worked on modular buildings, and fixed tractors. He enjoyed watching anime and playing video games with his children in his later years, camping and mostly spending time with his wife.
Russell is survived by his children, Jan Van Prooyen, III; Felicia (Jason) Arnold, Alex Van Prooyen, all of Vernal; four grandchildren, and a brother, Alan Van Prooyen, of New York.
He was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.
Per his wished he was cremated and the family will have a private memorial service.