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1981 - 2019
1981 - 2019
Obituary
Guest Book
1981
2019
Michelle Deenik, nee Van Baren, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 8, 2019. Beloved wife of Robert Deenik. Loving mother of Robert II, Heidi, Shelly and Henry. Dear daughter of Art and Sharon Van Baren. Daughter-in-law of Robert and Cathy Deenik. Loving sister of Artie Van Baren, Mary Beth (Chris) Van Beek, and Neal (Ashley) Van Baren. Devoted In-law and aunt to many.
Services are pending at this time. For those who don’t know, Michelle passed away following a terrible automobile accident in Michigan. Robbie and the children are recovering from injuries sustained in the accident and the services for Michelle will take place at an appropriate time in the near future.
For further information, please contact 219-322-7300
Jonathan Uhl
April 15, 2019
If there is ever anything I can help with, Rob, please contact me. I would take Michelles place and send her back to you if I could.
Gary Griswold
April 14, 2019
Always a warm smile, a friendly wave and a sincere, genuine conversationalist as we would pass on the sidewalk by the work parking lot and not to mention a hard working person. I will miss her alot.
Diane Paarlberg
April 13, 2019
To the Deenik and Van Baren families; My heart shares your grief. I can only imagine how difficult this journey has been and will be. "What a friend we have in Jesus." He is our strength in times of need and he will never leave us. His ways are higher than ours. You will remain in my prayers.
Philip Rasher
April 11, 2019
On behalf of the Rasher Family and the extended U.S. Compliance Family, our sincerest condolences are sent to the Deenik and Van Baren families. We are deeply saddened by Michelles passing and remember her brilliant personality and infectious optimism.
I will cherish and remember my interactions with Michelle; her legacy will not be forgotten.
Sincerely,
The Rasher Family
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Matt Douglas
April 11, 2019
Im do sorry for your loss..
Robert and Donna Barber
April 9, 2019
Our deepest sympathies to the Van Baren and Deenik families from not only our family but from the entire Beecher community. You have made Beecher your home and we are here for you.
Koos van Baaren
April 6, 2019
My sincere sympathies and prayers to Michelles entire family. May you find peace during this very difficult time.
Koos and Grietje Van Baaren relation from the Netherlands
Rob Gaines
April 1, 2019
My deepest sympathies to the Van Baren and Deenik families. I knew Michelle during interactions I had with her at your plant in Beecher. Although I did not know her indepthly she was always very kind when I spoke to her and I could tell she was a great person and part of a strong family. The strength of your faith and family are evident and I am confident this will help provide you peace in this time of tremendous sorrow. I will continue to pray for your family, for Robby and for those beautiful kids.
Sarah Huisman
March 27, 2019
My memories with Michelle are playing spoons with all our cousins on Thanksgiving, or receiving dolls from grandma Van Schouwen after her cruise at Christmastime. We all used to have so much fun running around together. She got to the finish line first. My heart is so very heavy for Rob, the kids, and our Van Baren family. She was very special. Anyone can see that she was filled with Gods love and joy. Praying continually for all of you. Love, Sarah Nyquist Huisman
Nelle Demeester
March 27, 2019
Our hearts are heavy for you all, and we are lifting you up in prayer, knowing that in Christ alone our comfort is found. May God wrap you in His loving arms, and grant you grace sufficient in your sorrow. What a blessed hope we have in these words: "and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
In Christian love, Rich and Nelle Demeester Hope PRC
Vanessa Persch
March 26, 2019
Michelle was a truly amazing person. She was a great friend to my sister Manda. They are now both at peace with the Lord. I continue prayers for Robby and their 4 beautiful children.
Bruce Hartman
March 26, 2019
Art & Sharron Family,
It has taken me this long to view this. I know what all of you are feeling and going through. The pain of losing a loved one will hurt in your hearts for ever. Michelle was a great person and will be missed by everyone that she touched. Your faith and family will keep you strong and guide you through this tragedy.
Bruce and Kathy Hartman
John and Mary Fraschetti
March 22, 2019
Art and Sharon,
Our hearts are truly breaking for you ❤
Please know that your family is in our prayers. Love to all of you ❤❤
Love .... John and Mary Fraschetti
Rhonda
March 21, 2019
I don't know where to begin. I know she is with our Heavenly Father and we will see her again. My heart is heavy for the family. Praying for healing and comfort in this process. I enjoyed talking and getting to know her when I worked at Doc's along with Art and Sharon. She always had a smile on her face. I'm sorry for your loss. Prayers and comfort for the Deenik family as well. I remember them from Crete Church. God will provide and embrace in all circumstances.
Rhonda DeVries
March 21, 2019
Prayers for the families and friends of Michelle and Rob and for her four precious babies left behind. Not our will but Thine be done...
Wes Molenaar
March 20, 2019
Hello Sharon & Art,
Very nice way you summarized how much Christ means to you in the middle of this stormy, painful time. Where would we be without our Christian faith? That being said, we remember even Jesus wept over the death of Lazarus, so I am sure God shares in our grief, and so do all of your friends. But, we weep not without hope, for we have God's promise of the resurrection !!
Love you folks dearly,
Wes Molenaar
Penny Triezenberg
March 20, 2019
Praying for all of you during this time. Art's word are so moving and truly the Holy Spirit is at work in all of your lives.
Mary Burdick
March 18, 2019
May God hold you in his arms and give you the strength to find peace. Deepest sympathy to the Deenik and Van Baren family.
March 18, 2019
Dear Art and Sharon and families; Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sudden loss of your dear daughter and sister Michelle. We lift you up before his throne of grace, praying for his comfort and strength in your great sorrow. We pray too for his healing mercies for her husband and children as they continue to recover and face the difficult days ahead. All that you wrote Art is truly our comfort even when we don't understand. He uses these trials and hurts to draw us closer to him and that is for our spiritual growth. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. Psalm 61:1&2 "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Love Gerry and Kathy Schut and family
March 18, 2019
Our sincere sympathy to the Deenik and VanBaren families. God's plan is often so difficult to understand but He always walks through the shadows with us. Praying for peace and comfort during this time. Robbie, our hearts are heavy for you and your children. Larry and Linda Hermen
Randy and colleen Vanprooyen
March 18, 2019
Our deepest sympathies to the VanBaren and Deenik families. May God strengthen and sustain you on the days and weeks ahead. Our prayers are with you.
Kelly Estock
March 18, 2019
I will always remember Michelle ❤ Such a genuine beautiful soul . I met her working at daf doing preweigh with her . I am truly saddened and heartbroken for her family . Such a terrible tragedy. Always love you Michelle .
Doug and Ruth Deenik
March 17, 2019
We were so saddened to hear of this tragic accident! Our thoughts and our prayers are with the Deenik and the Van Baren families! Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Michelle and our prayers for healing for Rob and the children.
Ernest Woods
March 16, 2019
I met Michelle about 2 years ago when I began working at DAF. My mother passed away 2 weeks after I started there. I remember the deep conversation me and Michelle had after that. Every time the holidays rolled around she saw the hurt in my face and she will come and talk with me. She always had a way of saying the right things to bring me comfort during those times. Haven't met anyone that nice in my life in a very long time. I considered her more than a co-worker. I considered her my friend. I truly miss her and she will never be forgotten. Rest in Heaven Michelle
Paul & Lucy Rietveld
March 16, 2019
Our Christian love and sympathy to the Deenik and VanBaren families. We will continue to pray for all of you ~ that the Lord will heal your hearts, as only He can do. We do not grieve as those without hope, as your testimony has already shown, and our thoughts and prayers remain with you!
Paul & Lucy Rietveld
Jack & Cindy Wieringa
March 16, 2019
Dear Art, Sharon & family,
There are no words we can say to express our deepest sympathy. We will continue to pray for God's grace for your entire family and for healing mercies for all the children & Rob.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
May God's grace continue to be your strength.
L.D. 1 What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but in both life and death belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
Love,
Jack & Cindy Wieringa
Diane (Vidimos) Pickens
March 16, 2019
My sincere sympathies and prayers to Michelles entire family. May you find peace during this very difficult time.
Jeffrey Mangiaracina
March 16, 2019
Sorry for your loss, our prayers go out to you and your family.
Emily Lanting
March 16, 2019
Grieving for your family, an incredible loss. Michelle was always authentic, one of a kind. Many fond memories of staying over in grade school and playing with Mary and her and riding in the backwards facing seat in the station wagon.
Most of us act a certain way to try to be accepted, to impress other people, to get attention, or just because we're not comfortable with who we are; but Michelle was different, she was so truly herself. Of all her qualities, I think this one impressed me and still inspires me the most.
Mary and I sang a song in a school program together many years ago and although I didn't fully understand the implications of those words in grade school, the words have come back to me many times in my life since then to comfort me in times of darkness. "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul" Many prayers for your family that God will send you His peace that passes understanding and that the great Comforter will be very near you.
David Olthoff
March 16, 2019
Continued thoughts and prayers for the Deenik and VanBaren family. Michelle was a great example to all she came into contact with. Hard working, but most of all her love for the Lord stood out in her, and she was not afraid to show that.
Becky Hart
March 15, 2019
I attended Illiana a year ahead of Michelle and remember her on the volleyball and basketball courts giving it her all and being a friend to all.
I am so sorry for your loss and find great solace in your raw, honest and God honoring words. Through your unwavering faith in Gods plan and timing you have pointed many to the Father in heaven and inspired us all to seek Him no matter what one is going through. Continued prayers for the days ahead.
Joan Klomp
March 15, 2019
Hugs and prayers sent to you at this time, thinking continuously of you all at this time. Love, Joan Klomp
Janett Conner
March 15, 2019
My sincere condolences to Robbie, the whole Deenik and VanBaren families. I'm so sorry for your tragic loss. I wish you comfort and strength during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers..
mary terpstra
March 15, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with both the Deenik and Van Baren families. Art your words are God glorifying, and comforting. Praying for healing of both body and soul, and much grace. We serve a risen Lord.
Love, and in Christ, Don and Mary Terpstra
Peggy Reynhout
March 15, 2019
Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers. Also, I want to Thank You for the beautiful words you wrote in the obituary. It was truly something I needed to read today.
Patricia Hahto
March 14, 2019
Sending heartfelt condolences and hugs to the entire Deenik family with special prayers for Rob and his children.
SHEILA WARD
March 14, 2019
Sending continued love and prayers. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Mark and Linda Prestriedge
March 13, 2019
Having known the Deenik family for a very long time and cherished all their younger years at Crete Church, we have been immensely moved by this tragedy and have been praying with a great burden for healing and wholeness.
Darren Van Essen
March 13, 2019
So sad for all the family involved in this tragic accident. My wife and I will pray for comfort and healing and that the entire family may fun some peace knowing she is with her Lord.
Frank and Janet Igleski
March 13, 2019
"For God so Loved the World that He gave His only Son so that all who believe in Him might not parish but receive Everlasting Life". "the Lord said ......During times of trial and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." Heartfelt Sympathy to Michelle's Families.
Bob & Lorraine Brezich
March 13, 2019
Our heartfelt sympathies to the Deenik and VanBaren families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Sharon Harbeck
March 12, 2019
So very sorry and sad to hear about the accident. We have been praying for the whole family and will continue to. May God enfold you in His loving arms and keep you close. ♥ The Harbeck Family
Anita & Don Haak
March 12, 2019
Our hearts are so sad for your families. May God grant you what you need in this and future dark hours as you must go on without her. Don says Michelle was such a hard worker. He was glad to get to know her at Dutch American.
March 12, 2019
Art and Sharon our hearts hurt for you and you family stay strong for your family and may the Lord give you every comfort Bill and Candi Stegenga
Linda Bruns
March 12, 2019
The announcement in church brought tears to my eyes. I see the loving Deenik family in church and cannot imagine the pain their families are experiencing. Michelle is now safe in heaven with her savior but Rob, their children and Michelles family are left here to try and go on without her. I pray for healing for Rob and their precious children as they recover from their injuries and comfort for their broken hearts. Always in my prayers
Sincerely,
Linda R. Bruns
Nila and Don Scroggs
March 12, 2019
Michelle was such a sweet person and loving mother, so proud of her beautiful family. She was always a joy to talk to after church. We are praying for Rob and the children, and our deepest sympathy goes out to the Deenik and Van Buren families. God bless all of you.
Lori Riechers
March 12, 2019
My prayers and deepest sympathy for Michelle, family and friends. May God bless you all with comfort and peace during these difficult times.
Eric & Annette Ophoff
March 12, 2019
Michelle was a dear friend, wonderful mother and a caring coworker. She will be missed dearly. Thoughts and prayers to the Deenik and VanBaren families. May God grant healing mercies and a special measure of grace to Rob too.
Kinberly Verduin
March 12, 2019
My heart is sad but michelles spirit will live on forever.
Diane Brezich
March 12, 2019
Love and Prayers to the Deenik and Van Baren families
Duke & Ruth VanDerVeen
March 11, 2019
Our heart aches for all of you. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
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