HOISINGTON — Freddie Elwood ‘Just Fred’ Van Steenburgh, 83, died April 9, 2026, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington, Kan. He was born April 18, 1942, in Marshall, Mo., the son of George Oliver and Amanda ‘Frances’ (Summers) Van Steenburgh. Fred graduated from Chase High School and then proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War with the rank of SFC. It was in the Army that he learned many skills that he applied throughout his life.
Fred was a hard worker who never slowed down. He started working in the oilfields in his younger years and later put his handyman skills to work tackling all sorts of jobs, especially in HVAC and plumbing, as ‘Just Fred’.
He married Judy Pool and they later divorced. He later married Mary ‘Evelyn’ Hanson in July of 1975. She preceded him in death on Nov. 2, 2021.
He is survived by his seven children, Eric MacLaren of Dodge City, Melissa Cain of Ellinwood, Melanie Schafer of Rowlette, Texas, Gary MacLaren of Belton, Mo., Tatjana Chase of Towanda, Heather Stanley of Broken Arrow, Okla., and Tara Nicole Branson of Great Bend; stepson, Marlin Hale of Midland, Texas; a brother, George Van Steenburgh of Great Bend, and three sisters, Billye Dellinger of North Carolina, Jacque Fowler and Martha Wagnon both of Great Bend; and numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Jackie Sue Branson and stepdaughter, Sheri Quiroga; and sister, Sherry Littrel.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Pastor Vic Link presiding. Graveside service will follow at 1 p.m., at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Dodge, Dodge City, Kan., with military honors conducted by Ft. Riley Army Honor Guard and Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Fred Van Steenburgh Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 14, 2026
