Herbert VanAken

Herbert Keith VanAken

Eaton Rapids

Herbert Keith VanAken

Passed away on Friday, April 1, 2016 at the age of 91.  Herb was born on January 5, 1925, the son of Herbert M. and Eva (Bunker) VanAken in Eaton Rapids Township.  He was a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School class of 1943.  After school Herb partnered with his brother Charlie and took over running their family farm until 1986.  In his retirement he started doing bulldozer work clearing fence rows and digging ponds.  Herb was always very active; he was a member of the All Colors Antique Tractor Club and could be spotted driving his tractors in many of the local area parades.  He enjoyed family get-togethers at his farm, playing cards, snowmobiling and attending tractor pulls.  Herb was a loving father and friend who will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and his practical jokes.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Barb VanAken; and brother, Charlie VanAken.  Surviving are his sons, Robert (Elizabeth) VanAken, Bruce (Deborah) VanAken; daughter, Marilyn (Kip) Sorlie; 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, sisters, Ruth Ann (Jamie) Abbott, Elaine Cowen, Dorothy Spitzbergen, Alice Bonta; brother, John( Adrienne) VanAken; special friend, Mary Rathbun; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 3-5 and 7-9 pm.  For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Senior Center.  For online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com