Marten VanEyk

Marten VanEyk, age 72, passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Westerbroek, Netherlands, on June 14, 1952, Marten immigrated to the U.S. at a young age, speaking both Dutch and English. He served as a compassionate probation and parole officer until retiring to open a coffee shop. He lived life with curiosity and passion. He was a private pilot who loved flying his Cessna 172, an aquarist who kept fish tanks from the age of seven, and a musician who played fiddle in several bands and festivals. Marten was also a skilled builder, crafting just about anything with his hands, from home projects to church repairs. He had a lifelong love for plants, keeping both gardens and indoor plants thriving.

More than his many hobbies, Marten deeply loved his family. He enjoyed traveling around the country with his wife and he passed on his passions to his sons and found great joy gardening and building projects with his grandchildren.

Above all, Marten was a devoted father, faithful husband, and a man who walked humbly with his Savior, knowing that he was not his own but belonged, body and soul, to his faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne; sons, Jeremy (Kate), Brian (Jen), and Dirk (Kristin); grandchildren: Jade, Anna, Amber, Jack, Lily, Luke, Ashley, and Colin; siblings, Hans (Carla), Bert (Nancy), and Mariejan (Todd); and Dianne’s siblings, Gerald Schepers, Joy (Ken) Mauk, and Phyllis (Ken) Dornbush.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Encounter Church, 4620 Kalamazoo, Ave, Kentwood. The funeral service will be on Saturday, January 18, at 1:00 p.m., also at Encounter Church- Kentwood with cake and coffee being served afterward. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@dirkvaneyk5458. In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Marten’s faith community, Encounter Church.

Marten’s legacy of love, faith, and service will be deeply missed.