Joseph “Joe” Van Loan, of Belmont, California, passed away suddenly on April 16, 2026, in Palo Alto, California. He was 84.

Joe was born on February 25, 1942, to Evert and Rachael Van Loan in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was raised in a loving family and attended Catholic schools, graduating in 1960. He went on to study at the South Dakota School of Mines before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. After his military service, Joe completed his education at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), earning a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1970.

Joe’s story with Linda began in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he was working as an engineer for KOTA and she was the receptionist. Their connection was immediate and enduring, and they were married on August 17, 1967. Together, they built a life shaped by shared adventure and steady companionship—a partnership that later carried them to California, where they continued to build a life centered on love, travel, and enduring partnership.

Joe built a distinguished career in the cable and telecommunications industry, contributing to its growth during its formative years. He began his career with Nebraska Public Television and went on to hold roles with Viacom, Cablevision, and Mediacom. Known for his leadership, integrity, and forward‑thinking approach, Joe was deeply respected by colleagues across the industry. He was an active member of the Cable TV Pioneers organization and served as Chairman, helping guide and shape the industry he cared so deeply about.

Throughout his career, Joe’s contributions were recognized with numerous honors, reflecting both his technical expertise and leadership. He was the recipient of the Cable TV Pioneers Chairman’s Leadership Award and was previously honored with the Pioneer Award for his lasting impact on the industry. He also received recognition for engineering excellence early in his career for his contributions to public television and system design.

Even after retiring in 2002, Joe remained closely connected to the cable and telecommunications community. He stayed active in professional associations, maintained friendships with colleagues across the country, and continued to follow the industry’s evolution with genuine interest and pride.

In retirement, Joe embraced a life centered on travel, adventure, and connection. Alongside his devoted wife Linda, he spent years exploring the country in their motorhome, forming lasting friendships and creating cherished memories along the way. Linda preceded him in death in 2013 after a brief illness.

He is survived by his brother, Jim Van Loan, and his wife, Ann. Though Joe and Linda had no children, he remained closely connected to his nieces and nephews, including Sandy and Bill Kelly; James Van Loan Jr.; Carol Van Loan; Patrick and Kristina Van Loan; Mike and Kim Van Loan; and Stacy Van Loan and her husband Emmanuel along with many great nieces and nephews and special friend, Connie Johnson. He will be remembered for his warmth, steady presence, and the meaningful relationships he maintained throughout his life.

Joe’s legacy lives on in the industry he helped shape, the friendships he built across the country, and the family who will carry his memory forward.

Funeral arangments are pending.

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Memorial Gifts

To make gifts in Joe’s memory, checks may be sent to:

South Dakota Mines – CARA

330 E Kansas City St

Rapid City, SD 57701

Please note in the memo line that the gift is in memory of Joseph “Joe” Van Loan.

For online gifts, visit: https://cara.sdsmt.edu/donate

In the Designation dropdown, select “Other” (third option).

Enter the gift amount and select Pay Now.

A box will then open where you can note the gift is “in memory of Joseph Van Loan.