Ben Allen Snoeyink

Ben Allen Snoeyink, age 74, is now at home with his Lord and Savior after struggling with Parkinson’s disease for 14 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Anna (Idema) Snoeyink; infant brother, Wesley; and a brother-in-law, Greg Gabrielse. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sharon (Gabrielse) Snoeyink, to whom he was married for 51 years.  Together they have 4 daughters, Kristin and David Rozema (Caleb, Soren and Zoe), Jennifer and Doug Bell (Allie and Alexis), Rebecca and Mike Impellizzeri (Jordan and Sophia), Sarah and Matt Rottman (Corynn, Annaliese, Madelynn, Katelynn and Benjamin). He is survived by 4 sisters and 3 brothers, Arlene and Julius Kuiper, Lois and Vic Maier, Roger and Edna Snoeyink, Char and Orin Gelderloos, Vern and Jeannie Snoeyink, Jerry and Carol Snoeyink, Nancy and Jim McGlothlin. Also surviving are his sisters and brothers-in-law, Phyllis and Jim Kramer, Tim and Kris Gabrielse, Cheri Gabrielse; and many nieces and nephews. Ben was a graduate of Calvin College where he earned his degree in education. He taught Math at Christians schools in South Holland, IL and Sheboygan, WI.  After 20 years of teaching, he worked as a baking machinery sales representative and earned his Six Sigma black belt.  Ben will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, his kind and gentle spirit and a deep love for his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as his love of camping and fishing, birdwatching, woodworking and enjoyment of University of Michigan sporting events.  Ben was supportive of all the interests of his family and often mentioned that the sounds of his family were music to his ears.  He loved to volunteer his time at Kids Hope and Home Repair Services and desired volunteer full time for disaster relief in his retirement.  The family wants to thank Faith Hospice and the loving and caring community of Covenant Living where he resided for the last 8 months of his life. A service to celebrate Ben’s life will be held 11 am Friday, August 16 at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 107 LaGrave Ave. SE, Grand Rapids.  Interment Blain Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday 5-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, and from 10 to 10:45 am Friday at church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VanAndel Institute for Parkinson’s Research, Kids Hope or to Home Repair Services.