Benjamin Kollen

Benjamin E. Kollen, 86, of Saugatuck, formerly of Zee­land, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2009 at Hos­pice House.

Ben was born February 24, 1923, the youngest son of Henry and Ida Kouw. Ben graduated from Zeeland High School in 1941 and worked for Holland Furnace Company as an accountant. 1953 was a big year for Ben. He changed his last name to Kollen, married Cynthia Van Dorp and opened Country Store Antiques in Saugatuck. The Kollens still own and operate their store 56 years later.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cynthia, his daugh-t­er, Margo Kollen of Gobles, his son, Bentley and Anne Kollen ( Morgan, Jonathan, Nathan, Ethan) of Zeeland, his son, Carlton and Rachael Kollen ( Andrew, Christine, Elizabeth) of Holland, sis­ters- in-law, Evie Van Dorp and Harriet Van Dorp, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Monday, Novem­ber 9, 2009 at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland. The Revs. David Vander Wiele and Bernard Mulder will offici­ate. Visiting hours will be 4­7 pm, Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Zee­land Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.