06/21/2026
Our hearts are heavy today. A very cherished member of the District No.1 family passed. former Chief Donald Van Duersen, we thank you for your dedicated service to the community. We are eternally grateful for your contributions to the Franklin Township volunteer fire service. Rest Easy Butch...
The Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department is saddened to announce the passing of life member and past Chief Donald "Butch" Van Deursen. Butch was a tremendous asset to our department and community alike. Butch served with our department as well as the East Franklin Fire Department for over 60 years of dedicated, volunteer service and he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
We will miss you Butch, thank you for everything.
Donald (Butch) Van Deursen, 78, passed away at his home in Somerset, New Jersey, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Born on September 23, 1947, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Louis and Marion (Thomas) Van Deursen. Butch was a lifelong resident of Somerset and a proud member of the community he faithfully served throughout his life.
A 1965 graduate of St. Peter High School, Butch went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. He enlisted on March 22, 1967, attained the rank of Sergeant, and was honorably discharged on March 21, 1973.
Butch enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career with Verizon, where he worked his way through the ranks before retiring.
Service to others was at the heart of Butch’s life. He was a Life Member of the East Franklin Fire Department, where he served as Past Chief and Past President and dedicated more than 60 years of service. He was also a Life Member of the Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Past Chief and Fire Police Officer for 46 years.
He served as Fire Commissioner for Franklin Township Fire District No. 3.
Additionally, he was a member of the East Millstone First Aid Squad, serving as Past Captain and EMT for over 20 years
Butch is survived by his beloved wife of ten years, Christine Van Deursen; his children, Donna Umgelter and her husband Alan, Amy Albrecht and her husband Spencer, Steven Van Deursen and his wife Dineen, James Hardison and his wife Sue, and Brad Hardison and his wife Patty; and his cherished grandchildren, Alexa, Jennifer, Hunter, Ethan, Shane, Olivia, Addison, Evan, Nina, and Lance “Charlie”. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Van Deursen.
During his free time, his lifelong passion was fishing. He spent many hours casting his line with friends and family.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Peter the Apostle Church, New Brunswick. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Somerset.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Butch’s name to the East Millstone First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 2008, East Millstone, NJ 08875.
