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FUNERAL HOME

Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - DeYoung-Vroegh Chapel - South Holland

649 E. 162nd St.

South Holland, Illinois

Michael Van Baren Obituary

MICHAEL VAN BAREN CRETE, IL Michael "Mike" Van Baren, age 81, of Crete, IL, formerly of South Holland, IL, was taken home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 3, 2008. He was the beloved husband of Eunice (nee Dekker); loving father of Janet (Robert) Koontz, Alice (John) Dykshorn, Frank (Sharon) Van Baren and Michael (Charlene) Van Baren; dear grandfather of Robert (Jill) Koontz, Shannon Koontz, Tracy (Manuel) Montalvo, Kris Koontz, Alan Dykshorn, Brandy (Eric) Armendariz, Josh (Liz) Dykshorn, Mikal Dykshorn, Joe Dykshorn, Frank (Kristy) Van Baren, Jr., Melanie (Nate) Dykstra, Katie Van Baren, Jennie Van Baren, Michael C. Van Baren and Cheralyn Van Baren; and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Katie Van Baren; sister, Alice Kuiper; and beloved son, Mark Van Baren. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 6, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at Cornerstone Protestant Reformed Church, 13251 W. 109th Ave., St. John, IN with services conducted by Rev. Nathan Langerak. Interment will take place prior to the funeral service on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. at Homewood Memorial Gardens, Homewood, IL. Visitation will be Sunday, October 5, 2008 from 2:00-9:00 p.m. at the Smits, DeYoung- Vroegh Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd Street, South Holland, IL. Mike was a farmer until 1968 when he became an auto repair rebuilder until his retirement, but he never lost his love for farming. He was a devoted husband and dedicated father. Mike was a lifelong member of South Holland Protestant Reformed Church where he served as deacon and elder many times. His life was centered on the Lord and anyone who knew him, knew he was a child of God. Memorial contributions may be given to Protestant Reformed Christian School or Heritage Christian High School, 10790 Calumet Ave., Dyer, IN 46311. Info (708) 333- 7000 or: www.smitsfuneralhomes.com. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15

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Published by The Times on Oct. 4, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Van Baren

2 Entries

Cheralyn Van Baren

June 15, 2009

i will really miss my grandpa, he had a special place in his heart for me he always would say...he thought i looked like my grandma and i think i reminded him of her which made him happy, although i can't believe that i will never see him again on this earth, the confidence that i will once see him again in heaven is such a comfort....love you grandpa

Marlene Nicksic

October 7, 2008

I was saddened to hear of Uncle Mike's passing. I have special childhood memories of going to the farmstand to help out .Uncle Mike was a kind soul and I always liked his quite ways and his smile. I am keeping the whole family in my prayers now that we are in Florida I wasn't able to attend the funeral but I want you all to know you were in my thoughts.
Sincerely, Marlene and Dennis Nicksic

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

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Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - DeYoung-Vroegh Chapel - South Holland

649 E. 162nd St., South Holland, IL 60473

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