Howard Beelen

Howard Beelen (age 92), kingdom worker, wise counsel, and child of the King, was called home to meet his Lord, face to face, on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.  Howard was born on August 11, 1926.  He was one of seven children born to Henry and Martha Beelen of Holland. He attended Holland Christian Schools and met his wife Vonnie (Dyke) at Holland Christian High School.  After serving his country in the Navy, Howard and Vonnie married and raised their family of four.  Howard served his church as a member of council and also served on the boards of Allendale Christian School and Unity Christian High School, where his children attended.  He worked in the construction trade and was able to use his gifts in the expansion of the ministry at the Christian Reformed Conference Grounds, the American Red Cross, and Disaster Relief for CRWRC (World Renew).  He was preceded in death by his wife, Vonnie in 2017. He is survived by his children, Jim and Pat Beelen, Bob and Sue Beelen, Judy and Mark Dykema, Cindy and Ron Borst; 10 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren (and one on the way); siblings, Ken and Aggie Beelen, Marv Beelen, and Thelma Pelon; sister-in-law, Mary Beelen; and many nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Howard’s life will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Second Church, 6950 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, with Rev. Doug Vrieland officiating. Interment will be held at Allendale Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Second Church and on Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Rest Home Foundation.