Ernest S. Van Valkenburg

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Ernest “Ernie” S. Van Valkenburg, 97, of Phoenixville, passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at Simpson Meadows, Downingtown.

Born in Tecumseh, MI, Ernie was the son of the late Faye and Florence (Waldron) Van Valkenburg. He was the husband of the late Leola (Tunison) Van Valkenburg, who passed away in 2009.

Ernie followed in his father’s footsteps and attended the University of Michigan where he completed his studies. When Ernie completed his studies, he began his career as a physicist for the Naval Research Laboratory. While completing graduate studies at University of Maryland, he began to develop a passion for studying computers. While employed Bendix Corporation as the manager of the computer department, the company received a contract for the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments (ALSEP). Ernie became the ALSEP Technical Director, where he led scientists that would develop the instruments used to conduct experiments on the moon’s surface. After Ernie had left his mark on the moon through his work on the Apollo Projects, he moved to Pennsylvania, where he would work in Research and Development for Leeds & Northrup Company in North Wales, .

Ernie is survived by his children: Mary Wojnowski, wife of Leon, of Phoenixville, E. Paul Van Valkenburg, husband of Nancy, of Athens, GA, Carl Van Valkenburg, husband of Jane, of Townsend, DE, Richard Van Valkenburg, husband of Mary, of Hobart, NY, and Rodney Van Valkenburg, husband of Julie, of Chattanooga, TN. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ernie was preceded in death by his son: Eric Van Valkenburg, and his brothers: Dalton Van Valkenburg and Gerald Van Valkenburg.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021­­ at 11 AM at Doylestown Presbyterian Church, 127 E Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901.  A visitation will be held from 10-11 AM at the church.

Memorial contributions in Ernie’s name may be made to Music Ministries at Doylestown Presbyterian Church, or Habitat For Humanity of Bucks County, PA.. You may click on the name of the organization(s) to make a memorial contribution.

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