Tony "Opa" Van Hoeven

Tony “Opa” Van Hoeven of Plymouth, MN passed away, peacefully, on Mar. 23, 2024, in Plymouth, MN, at the age of 90. 

Tony was born on June 19, 1933, in ‘s Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands to parents Jan and Toos Vrijhoeven. After completing his degree in textile engineering and serving in the Dutch military, he immigrated to the United States. 

Tony aka “Opa” had a personality that was bigger than life and he was a stranger to no one.  Anyone who has met Tony will remember his infectious laugh (often accompanied by a “snort”) or how he would dance into a room, inevitably with a random object placed on his head and yielding a funny grin, solely to make people laugh. He was proud of his tennis shoe collection and if you saw him out and about, he was quick to point out that “his shoes always matched his outfit”!  His adorable, Dutch accent drew people to him, and he was always willing to share stories of his past, including his family history and the sad and difficult times of his childhood during WW2.  He was incredibly proud of his Dutch heritage and passed that pride on to his daughter and grandchildren.

Tony immigrated from The Netherlands to Phoenix, Arizona in 1958. Even though he always called Arizona his home, for the next 66 years he would travel the world. He was an amazing salesman and was instrumental in the innovation, development and sales of the first color printers and copiers. His work in sales took him from AZ to Connecticut, N.Y., California, back to AZ and then back to The Netherlands.  Upon retiring, he moved to Minnesota to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. He liked to call himself a “vagabond” and was happiest when traveling and meeting new friends. Each and every move, from city to city, state to state and country to country, gave him the opportunity to meet so many people. Not only did he bring life to every party, but in his travels, he brought back story after story of his experiences and the people who he had met. 

Living close to his daughter, her husband and his 3 grandchildren, was the joy of his life. He adapted to Delano, MN life easily and was quickly a favorite around town. Whether he was in the bleachers watching his grandchildren’s sports, out at local restaurants, at the grocery store, in the post office or at the nail salon…. guaranteed, they knew who “Opa” was.  He became part of circles of friendships wherever he went. He was a father figure to many, and his love was given freely to those who needed him at important times in their lives. 

Tony is preceded in death by his parents and his “little brother” Sjeffie.  He is survived by his daughter Cameron Leonard (Tim), grandchildren Tony, Raymond and Sylvia, daughter Jillaine Van Hoeven and sister Judith Bruinsma (Frits).

Please join us for a celebration of Tony’s life:

Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 3-5pm

Trillium Woods Auditorium

The Birches

14585 59th Avenue North 

Plymouth, MN. 55446

*If you would like to share a special story about Tony or how he may have touched your life, please contact Cameron at 763-242-6211.*