Peter D. Van Oosterhout

Peter D. Van Oosterhout, previously of Bath Township, Ohio and Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 17, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio, just two weeks shy of his 93rd birthday. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary E. “Bonnie” Van Oosterhout, and leaves behind daughter, Sarah Shannon (Lawrence) of Wilmington, NC, daughter Susan Delaloye (John) of Asheville, NC, son Peter D. Van Oosterhout, IV of Cleveland Heights, OH; four grandchildren, Meghan Shannon, Peter Shannon, John F. Delaloye III, and Joseph Delaloye as well as step children Dan Ahearn (Martha), Micheal Ahearn (Patty) and Katherine Ahearn.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Peter grew up in the town of Orange City, the son of the Honorable Martin D. Van Oosterhout and Ethel Greenway Van Oosterhout. He graduated in 1955 from the University of Iowa, where he played football and basketball. He went on to attend the University of Iowa Law School and served in the Air Force JAG Corps upon completion of his law degree. He was a practicing attorney early in his career with Squire Sanders and Dempsey, which brought him to the Cleveland area where he would reside for a major portion of his adult life. Electing to pursue a career in venture capital, he went on to lead a number of firms within the industry, as well as serving as the Chairman of the National Association of Small Business Investment Companies (NASBIC).

An avid sportsman, in addition to being a dedicated sports fan, he was a devoted duck hunter and would happily spend many pre-dawn hours in the marshes, often in the company of his son as well as his many fellow hunting buddies. An animal lover, Peter and his wife Bonnie were surrounded through the years by their many Labrador Retrievers, Lowchens, as well as the occasional cat or two!

A private family gathering will take place to celebrate Peter’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter’s name to the Winous Point Marsh Conservancy, 3500 S Lattimore Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452, or by clicking HERE.

Arrangements and cremation entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS.