Benjamin VanKeuren Jr.

Benjamin 'Dutch' VanKeuren, Jr. CLINTON CORNERS- Benjamin 'Dutch' VanKeuren, Jr., 82, passed away Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, at home surrounded by his family. Dutch was a lifelong Dutchess County resident and throughout his life he was passionate about baseball and basketball. He played semi professional basketball, including several games at the old Madison Square Garden; and first base and pitcher in the Interstate Baseball League. Later he coached the Taconic All-Stars taking two teams to the state championship tournament. Dutch was also a natural outdoorsman, hunter and great fisherman. Dutch was a graduate of Cobleskill Junior College and served as Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He is a member of the V.F.W. Post #170 Poughkeepsie, and was active with Ran Den Pack 24 Cub Scouts. A former Corrections Officer at Green Haven Prison, Dutch also spent many years as a builder and finish carpenter. Born Sept. 9, 1929, in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of Benjamin Morris and Gertrude (Doughty) VanKeuren, Sr. On July 11, 1954, in Poughkeepsie, he married Elizabeth Bailey. Dutch is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth; five children, Steven, and his wife Mary of Clinton Corners, Cecelia, and her husband Charles Shaffer of Stanfordville, Christine VanKeuren of Clinton Corners, Timothy, and his wife Elizabeth of Claverack, and Rachael Morphet, and her husband John Horton of Staatsburg; fifteen grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; a sister Patricia, and her husband George Lozier of Boulder, Colo.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours are Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m, at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck. Members of the VFW Post # 170 will conduct services at 6:30 p.m. Private funeral services and interment will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to the Taconic Little League, c/o Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 515, Rhinebeck, N.Y., 12572 To sign the online register please visit dapsonchestney.com