Benjamin Mulder Jr.

Benjamin Mulder Jr., 77 of Lynden, went to his Heavenly home on June 18, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. Ben was born to Berend and Tryntje Mulder on September 29, 1933 in Winsum, The Netherlands. Ben was a family man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Grace Alice Bosma, his childhood sweetheart whom he married on July 8, 1955. They enjoyed 56 beautiful years together. He is also survived by his children who feel blessed to have had such a wonderful father and role model: Flori Mejeur (Steve) of St. Joseph, Michigan, Bernie Mulder (Starla) of Sumas, Ken Mulder of Silverton, Oregon, Carol Ensminger (Michael) of Chandler, Arizona, and Lisa Oostema (Glen) of Lynden; 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Garrett and his sister, Marcia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Berend (Ben) and Tryntje (Tina) Mulder, his brothers, Melvin, Martin and Ted, and his daughter-in-law, Peggy Mulder. Ben was a man of faith and service. Ben's faith and love for the Lord motivated him to serve and give to others. He loved serving the Lord, his country, and the many communities he lived in over the years. He served his country in the Army during the Korean conflict. After his service, he began his banking career in Kalamazoo, Michigan and continued it in California where he specialized in dairy business loans. He had a heart for the less fortunate and invested in several community organizations including Inland Home for the Aged and Salem Christian Home for the Handicapped while he was living in California. He also served as a Board member for Calvary Rehabilitation Center, Elim Christian Home, and The National Council of Reformed Charities. He moved to Rainier Bank in Lynden in 1978 where he continued his banking career until his retirement in 1990. Throughout those years Ben continued to serve his community and was instrumental in helping Lynden develop a Dutch theme and started the Holland Days celebrations, which were held every spring in Lynden. He also helped to start Cascade Christian Home. Ben loved the Lord and shared his love and faith with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Third Christian Reformed Church in Lynden. Ben was also a traveling man. He loved to travel and enjoyed sharing these experiences with family and friends. His passion for travel resulted in starting Tulip Tours with his friend Don Kooy over 15 years ago. They traveled around the world making many great memories, meeting new people and often leaving a lasting imprint on those he met. The family invites you to join them in a time of visitation on Friday evening, from 5-7pm at Gillies Funeral Home, 202 Front Street, Lynden, WA 98264. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 25, 2011, 11:00 AM, at Third Christian Reformed Church, 514 Liberty Street, Lynden, WA 98264. A private burial with Military honors will be held prior to the celebration. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Cascade Christian Home or Well of GRACE Ministries (5675 Fairview Ave., Stevensville, MI 49127).