Family owned and operated for over 85 years.
Benjamin Philip Van Dyken, age 17, of Allendale passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 7, 2018, and is now resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior. Ben was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle who loved life and had a great sense of humor. His radiant personality was contagious, making others smile and laugh. Ben was a Junior at Allendale High School where he enjoyed the friendship of his peers. He had a love of sports and played on the school’s baseball team. Ben enjoyed the outdoors and had a special love for fishing. Above all, Ben was a young man of character and strong faith. He was actively involved in his church youth group, and his love for Jesus was evident to all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorothy Van Dyken, Robert and Sharon Nawrocki; and his cousin, Ian Nawrocki. He will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Philip and Michele Van Dyken; his brother, Tyler and Kendrah (Michelle, Asher); sister, Maggie Mae; his grandpa, Eugene Van Dyken; many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of Ben’s life will be held 11 a.m. Monday, June 11, 2018 at Second Church, 6950 Lake Michigan Drive, Allendale, with Rev. Harold Veldman and Pastor Alex Monsma officiating. Interment Allendale Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to North Star Reach Camp, and LaGrave CRC - SERVE Project.
Leave Your Tribute Message
June 13, 2018 4:59am
Samantha- Your Hamilton Academy family is very saddened by you loss. You'll be in our prayers.
- Linda Earl
June 12, 2018 12:42pm
Phil and Michele,
I am so sorry for your loss! Ben looks like he is very loved and a great person, but with parents like you, there is no doubt about that! I wish I could do something to help ease the pain and fill the emptiness. May he live on in your hearts and may God give you the strength and healing your hearts need right now!
Blessings to you all!
Julie Foster
- Julie Foster
June 12, 2018 4:16am
"Weeping endures for the night, but joy comes in the. morning. "Psalms 30:5. Thoughts and prayers are with the Van Dyken and Nawrocki families. We pray that you will feel God's grace in the hours, days, and weeks ahead, and until the time when you and Ben will meet again. With sincere sympathy. Steve and Jan Van Dyke, (Troy and Felicia's uncle and aunt)
- Janice Van Dyke
June 11, 2018 5:35pm
Phil and Michele,
I'm so sad I could make it to show my respects and especially give you both a hug. There are no words to express how deeply sad I am that you both have to endure such loss. I know your strength and endless faith will eventually soften the pain.
As friends We can't help but want to help in some way. I know you are so loved and have so many friends and so much family to lean on but please know that I am here if you ever need anything. For now just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I love you both.
- Sindy Greig (Albrecht)
June 11, 2018 5:06pm
Dear Ben,
I hope you know how much you were truly loved by your friends. Sydney misses you so much. Much love to your family. Please reach out if there is anything you need.
Kim Shaw (Sydney’s Mom)
- The Shaw Family
June 11, 2018 9:56am
Sending my deepest sympathy Phil on the loss of your son Ben. Prayers to you and your family.
- Amy Korf
June 11, 2018 4:18am
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
The Doctors and Staff of ABC Pediatrics
- ABC Pediatrics
June 10, 2018 9:01pm
Phil & Michelle
My heart aches for you & your family in this time of grief.
May God be with you & your family.
My Sympathies ✝️
Tina Post-VerMeulen
- Tina Post-VerMeuulen
June 10, 2018 8:57pm
Phil & Michelle
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. May God be with you all through this time.
My sympathies
Tina Post-VerMeulen ✝️
- Tina Post-VerMeulen
June 10, 2018 6:49pm
Thank you ben for being such an amazing and inspiring person. You impacted my life more than youll ever know, even though all you did was goof off with me in the hallways and talk to me at football games, or hangout with Maggie and I when I would come over, I never knew those little things would mean so much to me. I can't believe we lost you so soon. I love and miss you Ben. Fly high and keep fishing 💙
- isabell schooley
June 10, 2018 5:48pm
My sympathies to all of Ben's family and friends. This loss is so painful and sudden. My hope is that Ben's passing will continue the work of his faith: bringing others closer to God. I pray that you will all feel the strength from prayers being said for you, and they will aid you through your grief. We will continue to pray for you. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Terri, Craig, Tom & Kaylor
- Terri Kalaher Siebelink
June 10, 2018 5:18pm
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Ben. Despite many hardships and sufferings, he remained faithful to You because "You have a plan". Be kind to the soul of Your servant, Ben. Take him into the Realm of Light and Peace and give him Eternal Delight in Your Kingdom.
God, You know best how to comfort the Nawrocki/VanDyken families. Lift their hearts up to You and fill them with Your peace. Your understanding is beyond our human comprehension, but give them the knowledge and faith to endure even that which they can't understand. Let them be aware of you always God, and help them to remember that your Love is Life that can never really be taken away. Fly High, Ben. Rest in Eternal Peace.
- The Steeles
June 10, 2018 10:44am
My heart is full of so much sadness for you on the loss of Ben. Words can not express the amount of sadness I have for you. I pray for peace and comfort for all, until you meet again.
Denny, Mindy, Shelby, Rena and Chloe Miller
- Melinda Miller
June 10, 2018 10:17am
Dearest Phil, Michelle and. Maggie,
"I sleep, but my heart is awake..." Song of Solomon 5:2 May this Scripture bring you comfort. May Our Lord fill each of you with His Peace which brings both HIs Presence and His comfort. You are one of the most loving families that I have ever known. Ben is home. Love remains never to know an end. With my heart full of prayer for each of you, Busia Pat
- Patricia M Wendt
June 10, 2018 8:05am
Ben, I miss you like crazy. Thank you for all the memories, and the impact you made on my life since 5th grade. Your personality truly set you apart from others. You cared for everyone and anyone, even if you didn’t know them much. You could always make people feel better, no matter the situation. It’s crazy to think of how many times you made people smile each day. You gave me so much advice. Your love and trust in the Lord made an impact on many. You always trusted that God had a plan for you, and he did. I hope your resting easy, and finding all the good fishing spots up in heaven. Thank you for being one of my best friends. So long my friend until we meet again.
- Tyler Haveman
June 10, 2018 7:11am
Dearest Michele, Phil and Maggie
Our most deepest sympathies in this very difficult time. Ben was such an awesome young man, you must be so proud! He's so Awesome God called him home! I love you guys so much. Fly with the Angels Ben! Fish and have fun with AJ. You are so dearly missed. Love the Ruch Family
- Sarah Ruch
June 10, 2018 6:54am
Hi Ben, I love & miss you so much right now. I hope ur fishin, and catching so many fish right now with Aj. it is hard without you hear, i just want to give you one last hug. I love you so much. Thank you for being the BEST big brother anyone could ask for. You always cheered me up. I love you Ben. Fly high💙
Love, your fav sister😉🧡
- Maggie
June 10, 2018 4:46am
YOUR LIFE WAS A BLESSING, YOUR MEMORY A TREASURE, YOU ARE LOVED BEYOND WORDS AND MISSED BEYOND MEASURE!
WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU-THANKS FOR BEING A GREAT FRIEND TO OUR SON ALEX. YOUR PERSONALITY AND LOVE FOR THE LORD WAS CONTAGIOUS!
YOU WILL BE MISSED UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
THE STEPHENS FAMILY
JIM, KELLEY, KAILA, MAKENZIE, AND ALEX
- Stephens Family
June 09, 2018 5:38pm
We will be praying for you and thinking of you in the days and weeks ahead. May our Heavenly Father give you grace and comfort. "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
- Jim and Karen Daling
June 09, 2018 5:31pm
We will remember you in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead. May our Heavenly Father's grace and strength carry you through - "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
- Jim and Karen Daling
June 09, 2018 12:47pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Ryan Tozer & Tammy
June 09, 2018 11:53am
Ben always knew how to cheer everyone up even when times were tough. He was a great friend to me and always knew how to make me laugh. I have known Ben since Elementary school and he really made a huge impact in my life. You will always be remembered.
- Alex Stephens
June 09, 2018 11:17am
Ben was the sweetest and most welcoming kid that I knew. He always knew how to make people smile. If Ben was around you it was impossible to be upset. Ben’s humorous personality will be missed by so many.
- Chloe Miller
June 09, 2018 11:00am
Dearest Phil and family,
I am so, very sorry for the loss of Ben. My your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ help you through the most difficult days your family will ever experience. You are in our thoughts and prayers. In Christ Love, Marcey Tejeda and family
- Marcey Herrick Tejeda
June 09, 2018 10:49am
Ben, your joy for life was contagious. We love you and miss you deeply.
- Mark Gotberg
June 09, 2018 10:21am
Praying for your entire family during this difficult time. Ben was awesome and AJ loved him he will truly be missed.
- The Bates Family
June 09, 2018 9:06am
Ben, you were such a great young man. I will never forget you and Marcus hanging out way back in elementary school. Marcus and you have been buddies since K or 1st grade. Your smile and whit and were one of a kind and will never be forgotten. Such a kind and loving soul. You will be forever missed and always loved.
The Schooley Family
- Schooley's
June 09, 2018 8:21am
Dear Ben, I miss you! So much that I don’t even understand. You would always come up to me after class and say Hi to me and always brighten my day I got so used to that I started waiting for you. But on Thursday you didn’t come and I didnt know why, until the end of that day. Ben you made me look at my life in a very positive and happy way and I admire you for that. I love you and I miss you so much, you will always be in my heart ❤️ -Ev
- Evelyn Aparicio
June 09, 2018 7:33am
Ben-There was no doubt of your love for Jesus. You were a shining light for all to see. I can only imagine the joy in your eyes as he greeted you. Thank you for being an amazing example to your peers. You touched so many lives in your short time here, you will be forever missed. Praying for peace and comfort for your family and friends.
The Rapson Family
- Rapson’s
June 09, 2018 7:08am
Dear Family,
Although we did not know Ben, we were informed through the Pete/Sharlene Jouwstra family, whom we do know. We are praying for each of you, way out here in California. Blest are those who die in the Lord. Our hearts ache for you but touched by the many testimonies about his love for Jesus. Our Sympathies ... George & Betty Groen
- George Groen
June 09, 2018 6:51am
Ben, you will be missed by everyone so very much. You always knew how to make people smile. You were so strong and such a great role model. God truly brought home an angel. You will never be forgotten. Fly high.
- Maddyson Brown
June 09, 2018 6:42am
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Ben will be greatly missed.
~ The Olenzuk family
- Kim Olenzuk
June 09, 2018 6:39am
When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange.
May happy memories carry you through this very sad time.
Keith & Theresa
Anna Steele Grandparents
- Theresa Kiel
June 09, 2018 5:34am
So sorry to hear this news. He was a nice young man, may his memory keep you going during this difficult time. We will say special prayers of intention for your family. Dottie, David, Samuel and John Yocca.
- Dottie Yocca (Wilder)
June 09, 2018 4:59am
Angela VanHowe , Andrew VanHowe, We are so sorry for your loss.
- Andrew
June 09, 2018 4:42am
Ben, you were one of the kindest, funniest, happiest people and you will be so very missed. You made a big impact with your big personality and your love for Jesus, your hope and faith in Him. We don’t like His plan right now, but we will try to trust, like you did, that God has a plan in all of this.
- Sari Emmert
June 09, 2018 3:55am
Our sincerest sympathy to your family. Our many prayers go out to you. Losing a child has got to be the hardest thing in life to deal with. Prayers for strength, understanding, peace, comfort during and forever after.
- Mark and Jill Tolman
June 09, 2018 2:48am
Love and prayers to all the Family. He is safe in his Father”s Loving Arms.
- Jacqueline Capel
June 08, 2018 7:41pm
Ben, you will be missed so very much! You always knew how to brighten everyone's day with your humor and kindness. Prayers to family and friends. You are home now with our lord.Allendale loves you! And we will never forget you! Rest easy and fly high Ben❤️
- Rebecca Smallegan
June 08, 2018 7:21pm
Ben, I absolutely loved having you around and playing Yahtzee! You were so funny and such a pleasure. I loved how you took off your hat and bowed your head to pray before we ate. I appreciated how you asked about my dad who was fighting cancer. You had such genuine concern. Most of all I loved how you were such a great friend to my son, Adam. He loved you and enjoyed fishing and hanging out with you so much. You will be forever missed! You’ll always have a special place in our hearts ♥️
Praying for his family and friends during this very difficult time. May God wrap his loving arms around you all and give you peace and understanding.
The Cover family
- Karen Cover
June 08, 2018 6:28pm
You have my sympathy Phil & Michele on the loss of Ben. Cherish all the memories. Prayers to you and your family. ❤️
Richard & Mary (Goosen) Baker
- Richard & Mary (Goosen) Baker
June 08, 2018 6:19pm
We are praying for comfort, grace, strength and peace to get through these most difficult days for the Van Dyken Family. Sending our love to all of his family and friends. The Taylor Family
- Tina Taylor
June 08, 2018 5:00pm
Prayers for comfort .
- Leslie Cobb
June 08, 2018 4:25pm
Ben, I miss you so much already. You were truly someone special. Thank you for all the memories. Love you, see you soon!
- Alison Glashower
June 08, 2018 4:09pm
Your memory will live on forever. You were a inspiration to so many people. Truly a inspiration to so many people. Any one who has ever talked to you always had the biggest smile in their face because you just brought that sunshine and positive energy into a room. I will never let Michelle and Asher forget you. You Ben were such a positive role model in their life. My heart is aching knowing that they will not get to make more memories with you but we will cherish and speak of the ones we do have often. I love you Ben.
- Kendrah Vandyken
June 08, 2018 4:00pm
Ben.. you will be missed, you left a big mark on the world.. with your friends and family.. fly high... we will miss you❤️
- Ducharme's
June 08, 2018 3:29pm
We will never forget you Ben. Lots of love and prayers to all the VanDykens. We love you bud! 🙏🏻
- Dan Remenap
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