Donald Wesley Van Hook

A sinner saved by grace who was ready to go, Donald Wesley Van Hook, of Jenison, died Friday, February 16, 2018. He was 86 years old and a native of New Jersey. Donald was a graduate of Rutgers University and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked for many years as a Certified Public Accountant in New York City and New Jersey. After moving to Hudsonville in 1997 he worked as an accountant at Calvin Theological Seminary. He was active in professional organizations and served on the Eastern Christian School Association board and on church councils. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Bessie (Post) Van Hook and many cousins and in-laws. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Florence (Brandsen) Van Hook; five children whom he dearly loved and appreciated, especially the love and care they showed to their parents: Beth (Bob) Lehigh, Joan (Brad) Ryder, Dawn Van Hook, Faye (Russ) Ritsema, and Mark (Susan Zimmerman) Van Hook. Also surviving are the grandchildren he loved:  Kerri (Nick) Schaub, Jason (Ashley Cody) Ritsema, Kevin Ritsema, Nick Ryder, Natalie Ryder, Lea Van Hook, Magen Mantle, Laura (John Grunden) Mantle, Troy Price, Mark (Emily) Mantle and Jessica (Andrew) Funk. His great-grandchildren (Kailynn, Ella, Nathan and Charlie) were a great source of pride and joy. His brother and sisters-in-law Harold (Karen) Brandsen and Carla Brandsen also survive. Visitation will be at Fairway Christian Reformed Church on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held  on Thursday at 11 a.m. at Fairway Christian Reformed Church, 1165 44th Avenue, Jenison, with Rev David DenHaan officiating.  Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery. Memorials contributions may be directed to World Renew or Fairway Christian Reformed Church.

Leave Your Tribute Message

February 21, 2018 11:24am
My heart pours out to all of you as you mourn his passing and celebrate his life. Although I never met Donald, I have seen reflections of the generous, gentle, Christ-centered person he was through his beautiful daughter, Dawn.

- Emilie Shields

February 20, 2018 6:49am
On behalf of American House we want to convey our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your Husband/Father. We want to thank you for the privilege of caring for him at Beechwood Manor. May God bless and comfort you as you grieve.

- Julie Ann Mesman, American House

February 19, 2018 7:39am
Floss, Jerry and I are praying for your family. Don was a pleasure to work with. He brought order, and fun to Calvin Seminary's Business Office. Don was a wonderful, godly man who I am proud to count as a friend. It didn't matter if you hadn't seen him for months - he always was the same and you could take up from where you left off. I have opposing feelings of joy that he's with the Lord and grief that he's gone. He loved his family so much - he was always telling stories of this child, that child, this grandchild, and of course of Floss. I loved his stories. Don was well loved by so many. He'll be missed deeply.

- Christine Mulka

February 19, 2018 7:08am
I remember your dad (and mom) from Wayne and that my parents considered your folks as first-rate people! God's peace be with you.

- Douglas MacLeod

February 18, 2018 4:36pm
My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family; may God be with you in your darkest hours; may he R.I.P.....till you meet again; God Bless you all!!

- Patsy and Darrell Beard Sr.

February 17, 2018 7:22pm
I am praying for your whole family. Donald sounds like an incredible man with a heart for the Lord. Served in the army, on boards for Christian schools and church, loved his family, and most of all his savior - what a legacy!! May the Lord give you peace and provide you with the shelter of His love during this time of sorrow.

- Tim Paauw




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