Benjamin Van Houten

Superdad, Ben Van Houten, 39, went to be with Jesus on April 9, 2014.

Ben was a man after God’s own heart. He loved God, loved his wife and children, and he loved people. He made it clear whose he was; He was God’s. His walk with God was characterized by loving others and serving abundantly with unmatched generosity.

He had a crazy love for his wife, Amy of 15 years, and for their seven children, John Paul, Gerrit Calvin, Samantha Clair, Nolan Benjamin, Peyton Scott, Kennedy Alexis, and Drew Riley. Ben was known for pouring out his love for Amy through surprises, spontaneity, leadership, strength and service. His kids will remember Ben’s crazy love for them through fond memories of pillow fights, building pyramids, wrestling, quad rides, reading the Bible, putting on puppet shows, and so much more fun. He was always thinking of them; ways to instruct them, bless them, and enjoy his time with them.

Ben was a devoted son, brother, and uncle using his many gifts and talents to strengthen and support his family. Ben was also a faithful friend, finding time to minister to and build into the lives of those around him.

As a deacon, small group facilitator, and children’s ministry leader, Ben looked forward to engaging with God and His people each week at Calvary Baptist Church. His desire, was for people to know and love God and live selflessly to the honor and glory of God; or as Ben would say, to “get it.”

Ben worked for 16 years as a machine fabricator at TUV in Holland.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, John Van Houten. He is survived by his wife, Amy, their children John, Gerrit, Sammy, Nolan, Peyton, Kennedy, and Drew, his mother, Karen Van Houten, brothers, John and Jane Van Houten, Brian Van Houten, sisters, Cindy and Brent Immink, and Leanne Van Houten and Marty Raby and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be 11 am, Monday, at Calvary Baptist Church, 517 West 32nd Street, with the Rev. Paul Davis officiating.

Burial will be in Manlius Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be 3-5 pm Saturday and Sunday at the Calvary Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Van Houten Children’s Trust c/o, Macatawa Bank, 4758 136th Avenue; Hamilton, MI 49419.

The family is being served by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel.