Michael Van Baren

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