T H E   T E A M

Albert VanBorkum-Owner

Stacy Schutz-Owner

Tara Canning-Manager

Before ever being put on the payroll of the family business, Albert spent many years trapping gophers in people's yards and cleaning fish for 25 cents each at Van's in order to make a little extra spending money.  

Once officially an employee, Albert spent many years as a "tractor" boy driving the old Case tractors that were originally used to launch boats.  Upon returning to Van's to take over the family business with his sister, Albert was the driving force behind researching, designing and modifying the tugs that we now use for launching boats.
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Albert graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney with a business degree with an emphasis in Resort Management and Development.  Albert and his wife, Collette, and their three children reside at Van's year round.  We would provide what he does when he isn't at Van's, but honestly, he never leaves.

Stacy remembers first working the gas dock at Van's, somewhere around second grade.  From there duties grew to cabin cleaning and working in the general store.  She and her brother, Albert, would both return to take over the family business after graduating from college.

Stacy graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  In addition she holds a 7-12 Natural Science Nebraska Teaching Certificate and works in the "off" season for Paxton Consolidated Schools as the Technology Director.

When not at Van's or at school, Stacy can be found at one of the many activities of her two teenaged children or four step-children.

Tara joined Van's Lakeview the summer of 2010 and while she may not be related by genetics, she is truly part of our family.  

Tara grew up on a farm and ranch on the north side of the lake and is no stranger to working long hours in the summer.  She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Early Childhood Development before moving back "home".  

Tara handles a lot of the the day to day activities at Van's and is irreplacable.  She can be found primarily in the general store, but has been known to hop in a tug, as needed, and spends a lot of time helping Albert during the off season with everything from winterizing to general repairs and maintenance.

When not working tirelessly at Van's, Tara can be found spending time with her husband, Brian, and their three young children.

Albert "Van" and Karel VanBorkum, past owners and founders

Van and Karel met while attending the University of Nebraska-Kearney and both obtained teaching degrees; Van's in Biology and Social Studies and Karel's in English and Home Economics.  They both obtained teaching positions in Dix, Nebraska after graduation in 1963 and made this their home.  In 1966 the opportunity came up to purchase a small business including a restaurant, cabins and trailer park on Lake McConaughy.  Having been Van's dream for years, they scraped together enough money for the purchase and Van's Lakeview Fishing Camp was established.  Still teaching to supplement their income, Van and Karel worked tirelessly to get their business off the ground.  Moving to Lakeview permanently in 1969, Van and Karel raised their three children, Tanya, Stacy and Albert, and resided at Van's until their retirement in 2008. 

Even after retirement, Van could still be found helping out around the campground with mowing and spraying duties.  He could be found every morning enjoying coffee on the bench out in front of the store or sharing stories out by the cleaning shed.  Unfortunately, Van passed away in February of 2017.  Karel remains active helping with grandchildren and various other activities.