Becksvoort, Benjamin On June 6, 2015, our beloved Benjamin Becksvoort, age 67, passed away peacefully at home to the heavenly home prepared for him. He will be dearly missed by those who were privileged to know him. Ben will be lovingly remembered by his cherished family: by his wife Bev of nearly 47 years; by his children Brian Becksvoort and Beth (Stuart) Foster; by his siblings: Dawn Francis [Chris (Dawn) Francis and Angie (Patrick) Machin]; Sheryl (Tom) Klaasen [Andy (Renee) Klaasen and Ellie (Brian) Timmer, and Elisabeth (Andy) Robledo and Megan (Kyle) Vyncke]; Marilyn (Cal) Sterenberg [Amber (Nate) Prins and Justin Sterenberg and Jenna (Kurtis) Ritsema and Callie Sterenberg]; by his uncle Nathan Becksvoort; by his aunts Evelyn Slager, Mary Becksvoort, and June Van Dussen; by his wife's uncle Roger (Marcia) Dekker; by his wife's family: Dave Den Ouden; Gord (Cindy) Den Ouden [Jeremy (Jackie) Den Ouden and Jennifer (Dan) Broersma and Justin Den Ouden]; Von (Doug) Wesseldyke [Ryan (Lyndsay) Wesseldyke and Travis Wesseldyke and fiance Susie Hirschfeld]; and the young children of his extended family. Ben was preceded in death by his parents Julius and Sylvia Becksvoort, by his father- and mother-in-law Rev. Bernard and Dorothy Den Ouden and by his brother-in-law Mark Francis. As a pastor for 41 years, Ben faithfully served his Lord in Minneapolis, MN, Akron, OH, Grand Rapids, MI (Brookside CRC), and as Regional Leader for Christian Reformed Home Missions (Great Lakes area). He gracefully enriched our lives with his devotion to God, his abiding love for his family, friends, and colleagues, his steady, calming demeanor, his wit and infectious laugh, his love of cooking for others, and his enjoyment of golfing, fishing, and gardening. Despite his large physical presence, he will always be remembered as "Gentle Ben." Visitation hours will be on June 9 (6-8PM), June 10 (2-4PM and 6-8PM), June 11 (2-4PM and 6-8PM) at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. (616) 940-3022. www.zaagman.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Christian Reformed Home Missions, or Pannonia Christian Educational Exchange (Greater Hungary), or Celebration Fellowship CRC Prison Ministry, or Deeper Journey (a spiritual retreat program for Christian pastors and leaders). A memorial service will be held at Brookside Christian Reformed Church, 3600 Kalamazoo Ave., Grand Rapids, MI, on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at 6:30PM. A private burial service will be held with the immediate family.
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Dear Bev,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I moved to Fla for a while to work and re-group. I've moved back to Hudsonville for my children again. I was looking you up on line and I see your husband has passed. I am so so sorry. You blessed me with many years of wisdom, support, and friendship. Prayers, My hugs and prayers continue for you. I am sure you are aware of "griefShare". It meets in Hudsonville on Monday nights 6:30 with dinner before at 5:30. It is at Fairhaven Church. 2900 Baldwin and 28th. 662-2100 I go there for divorce care classes. It helps.... Feel free to join any time.
Prayers and hugs, Bev.
Love in Jesus, Carla Brintnall 616-717-2545
Hudsonville, MI
Carla Brintnall
January 7, 2016
Dear Bev: Marilyn and I were so saddened to hear about Ben's passing. I have nothing but fond memories of Ben and the rest of the Calvin gang at the Franklin Street house. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.
Paul Kooiker, Grantsburg, WIS
June 29, 2015
Dear Bev, Brian, and Beth,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss! We will be praying for you in this time of grief. We have enjoyed knowing your family since our days at Akron CRC with you. We always appreciated Ben's warmth and caring and the way the light of Christ shone through him. It's hard to believe that he's gone from us so soon.
Love in Christ,
Dee and Kurt Frisch
Kurt and Dee Frisch
June 25, 2015
Rev. Ben Becksvoort was the epitome of a Christian man always encouraging,always praying, always kind! Our family was blessed to know him!
Pam Martin
June 19, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Pam Martin
June 19, 2015
We knew Ben several years ago when we attended Brookside, and we always enjoyed talking with him and his dedication to the Lord's work. Our condolences to Bev and the entire family. Dave & Mary Query
Dave Query
June 14, 2015
We only had the privilege of knowing Ben for a short time, but each time was a joyous one. Our oldest son Stuart married Beth 4 years ago this august. The kids wanted an outdoor reception, but had no plan B in case of bad weather. The weather was beautiful for the wedding, but iffy looking for the reception. If it had been needed there was a plan B. Ben and Beverly made sure. Turns out it wasn't needed. The weather all around the park was horrible, but we were an island in the storm-truly a God Blessed affair. We will miss him.
Dave and Jackie Foster
David Foster
June 11, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bens passing. Lifting the entire Becksvoort family up in prayer.
Linda Becksfort - Rycenga
June 11, 2015
A lot of memories of growing up with Ben. He could shoot a pheasant before I had my gun to my shoulder.
Ted Koeman
June 10, 2015
Dear Sheryl, Dawn, and Marilyn,
I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you. I always thought of your brother when I have dill pickles and memories of turning barrels in the field. Hold each other close.
Betty (Aussicker) Hurd
June 10, 2015
Dear Sheryl and Tom,
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I am sorry for your loss.
Lynda Schipper
June 10, 2015
Brian and family,
We are so sorry for your immense loss. It sounds like your dad touched a lot of people's hearts just like you have ours. We want you to know that we are thinking of you and are here if you need us.
All our love,
Lindi, Carrie and the rest of your MRI family at Sparrow.
June 10, 2015
My sympathy to the family. I'm praying for you. I will always remember Ben for the support he gave me at various times in my ministry. Ben was a true servant.
Rick Kiekintveld
June 9, 2015
Dear Bev and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ben was a wonderful Pastor and friend to me while I lived in Akron. I loved his gentle spirit and his compassion. I also loved his corn bread! He was a special person and again I am truly sorry for your loss. May God grant his strength, grace and peace to you during this most difficult time
Ruth Ritsema
June 9, 2015
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