Benjamin Van Doren

(Courier News)

BENJAMIN VAN DOREN
AGE: 94 NORTH BRANCH
Benjamin Van Doren, 94, of North Branch, NJ, died Saturday, April 3, 2010 at the Bridgeway Care Center in Bridgewater. Born in Oldwick, NJ, he was the son of the late John and Cora Van Doren. Ben Van Doren was the founder of Van Doren Oil Company. He started his business in Lebanon, NJ with one truck in 1939. (The oil price at the time was 6 cents per gallon.) He went door to door growing his business. Many deals were made with a handshake and his business was built on trust. Ben's personal touch and charm was welcomed by the local farmers and community. In 1951, Ben moved the business to Whitehouse, NJ. Today, 70 years later, Van Doren Oil Company is still family owned and operated. The company is a staple in the community providing service to thousands of families in 5 counties; Hunterdon, Warren, Morris, Somerset, and Mercer. The company currently employs over 40 people, has 18 delivery trucks, million gallon storage tanks, and a fleet of service vans. Ben continued to work at his company until the age of 94 constantly adding new families to the account base. Besides running his company, Ben was involved in several community organizations. He was a member of the North Branch Reformed Church and belonged to the Elks in Peapack and was one of the original members of the Whitehouse Rescue Squad. Ben also had his own band known as Ben Van Doren's Commodores.
Ben was pre-deceased by his brother, John Van Doren and his grandson, Scott Van Doren. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Helen (Sekela) Van Doren; his four loving Children, Bud and his wife, Judy Van Doren of Lebanon, Jack and his wife, Judy Van Doren also of Lebanon, Richard Van Doren of Bridgewater and Vanessa Van Doren of North Branch and his two step-children, Elaine Cooper and her husband, Horace of Lenhartsville, PA, and Bill Gulick of Hampton. He is also survived by his 17 beloved grandchildren and his 13 wonderful great grandchildren.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse. A service in celebration of Christ's resurrection and the life of Ben Van Doren will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 10:30 AM at the North Branch Reformed Church, 203 State Route 28, Bridgewater. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Branch Reformed Church, 203 State Route 28, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. For more information or to send condolences, please visit www.kearnsfuneralhome.com.