Marvin Glenn Van Drunen

Marvin Glenn Van Drunen, age 76, of Saint John, IN, went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 17, 2026. Beloved husband of Evelyn Mae Van Drunen, nee Boyer. Loving father of Julie (Aaron) Tambrini, Elise (Robert) Johnson, and Jill (Kevin) Jacobs. Cherished grandfather of Nicholas Tambrini, Olivia Tambrini, Alexander Tambrini, Natalie Tambrini, Annika Jacobs, and Nathaniel Jacobs. Dear brother of Joan (Jim) DeBok, Faye Van Drunen, and Ruth (Jim) Kuipers. Preceded in death by his parents John William and Betty (nee Schaap) Van Drunen.

In 1973, upon the death of his Grandfather, Marv took over as the dealer at Van Drunen Ford. At 23 years old, he was at that time the youngest Ford dealer in the US. He continued as dealer until 2021, when the business was sold. Marv welcomed all three of his sisters into the dealership, always including them in business decisions and actions. He always insisted that the business, and relationships with employees and customers, were in keeping with his Christian commitment. He served on various Christian school boards, and church councils.

He was endlessly curious on a wide range of subjects, and was an avid reader.

Marv had a lifelong love of photography. He took countless photos of flowers and birds, people, and most of all, his grandchildren. He accumulated tens of thousands of photos, including a wide variety of shots from his many travels. With Ev, he loved traveling to countless places both nationally and internationally.

Marv had a deep love for classical music, and sang with Chicago's Apollo Chorus for years. He also loved to add his voice to various church and community choirs, and to smaller ensemble groups.

Visitation on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.) Dyer, IN. Funeral service Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. directly at Redeemer United Reformed Church, 10681 Park Pl, Saint John, IN with services conducted by Rev. Steve Swets and Rev. Dr. Cornel Venema. Private family burial at Homewood Memorial Gardens—Homewood, IL with Rev. Dr. Mark Beach officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Illiana Christian High School (www.illianachristian.org)

For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com