Willem F. Van Eekelen ’52

Wim came to us from graduation at Utrecht Municipal Gymnasium in the Netherlands in 1951. He studied government and joined Key and Seal. He roomed with Tom Matter and Jay Master.

He earned a bachelor of law degree from the University of Utrecht in 1964.

Wim had a distinguished career in the Netherlands foreign service: from 1988 to 1994 as secretary general, Western European Union; from 1986 to 1988 as minister of defense, Western European Union; and from 1996 as a senator in the Netherlands Parliament. Francois Mitterand awarded him the Legion d’Honneur.

Wim died June 25, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Johanna, and their daughter, Annemargreett. The class offers its salute for Willem’s remarkable life of service to his country and its European allies.