Jacob 'Jake' Michael VanLeuven, 18

Jacob "Jake" Michael VanLeuven, 18, "left this world far too soon" on July 31, 2008.

He was born Nov. 8, 1989, in Webster City, Iowa, to Mike and Robin VanLeuven. As a young boy, he lived in Iowa with his family, and they moved to Columbia Falls in 1996. While in grade school and junior high he was a star wrestler.

Jake was a dreamer, with an easygoing, carefree attitude. He loved to take things apart just to see how they worked! Jake loved music and he loved to read. He had a heart for animals and kids. He could always bring smiles and laughter to his family and friends. Even though his family teased Jake for being "accident prone" and a tad clumsy, they all loved him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Robin VanLeuven; his maternal grandparents, Melvin and Doris Mosher; and paternal grandparents, Jeddie and Margaret VanLeuven.

He has sadly left behind his father, Mike VanLeuven; and sister, Kalena VanLeuven, and her fiance, Cody Sterna. Jake also leaves behind his aunts and uncles, Jody and John Herbold, Lee Meyers and Judy VanLeuven, Karen VanLeuven, and Dave and Laura Seelye; his cousins, Jed Laroque, Sierra and Madison Herbold, Ashley Seelye, and Alison Becke; and numerous great-aunts and uncles, and more friends then you can name.

Jake will be missed greatly by all who loved and knew him. "God bless you Jake, run with the angels!"

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Fellowship Alliance Church in Columbia Falls.

The family suggests memorials go to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled and Burned Children, N. 820 Summit Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201.