USA Volleyball was saddened to learn of the death of Hank VanArsdale (above left), longtime commissioner of the Heart of America Region and volleyball official. VanArsdale passed away on Friday, May 27, at the age of 80.
VanArsdale became commissioner for the Heart of America region in 1984. At that time, he was club director of one of the first junior volleyball clubs in the region, Penn Valley Juniors. He remained commissioner until his retirement in 2011. During his tenure, the region grew from less than a thousand members to almost 12,000. The growth is even more remarkable considering the St. Louis area formed its own “Gateway” region during that time.
VanArsdale was a college volleyball official for many years and was also an official in the parochial leagues until 2020. After his retirement, he stayed involved with the region as a volunteer. He was a judge for the Glen Davies Scholarship Foundation and worked with charities that were supported by the ASICS Show Me National Qualifier.
In 2009, he received the Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award, USA Volleyball’s highest honor, for his contributions to the development of the sport of volleyball. He was also inducted into the Heart of America Region Hall of Fame,
VanArsdale is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Bernie, children Tamara (Kevin) Dunagan, and Christopher (Pamela); grandchildren Jared and MaryClaire Dunagan, Greyson, Emma and Amelia VanArsdale; brothers Bill (Minerva) and Bob (Joyce), and sister Lise Hanson.
A prayer service will be held on Friday, June 3, at 10 a.m., at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church (4 E 75th St., Kansas City, MO 64114).
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:
Operation Wildlife
23375 Guthrie Rd
Linwood, KS 66052