Michael Van Baren

Michael Mike Van Baren, age 81, of Crete, IL formerly of South Holland, IL, was taken home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 3, 2008. Beloved husband of Eunice (nee Dekker); loving father of Janet(Robert) Koontz, Alice(John) Dykshorn, Frank(Sharon) Van Baren, and Michael(Charlene) Van Baren; dear grandfather of Robert(Jill) Koontz, Shannon Koontz, Tracy(Manuel) Montalvo, Kris Koontz, Alan Dykshorn, Brandy(Eric) Armendariz, Josh(Liz) Dykshorn, Mikal Dykshorn, Joe Dykshorn, Frank(Kristy) Van Baren Jr., Melanie(Nate) Dykstra, Katie Van Baren, Jennie Van Baren, Michael C. Van Baren, and Cheralyn Van Baren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Kate Van Baren, his sister Alice Kuiper and his beloved son Mark Van Baren. Visitation, Sunday, October 5, 2008 from 2:00 till 9:00 P.M. at the Smits, DeYoung-Vroegh Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd St. South Holland, IL. Funeral service, Monday, October 6, 2008 at 11:30 A.M. at Cornerstone Protestant Reformed Church ( 13251 W. 109th Ave., St. John, IN) with services conducted by Rev. Nathan Langerak. Interment will take place prior to the funeral service on Monday at 9:30 A.M. at Homewood Memorial Gardens " Homewood, IL. Mike was a farmer until 1968 when he became an auto repair rebuilder until his retirement, but he never lost his love for farming. He was a devoted husband and dedicated father. He was a lifelong member of South Holland Protestant Reformed Church where he served as deacon and elder many times. His life was centered on the Lord and anyone who knew him, knew he was a child of God. Memorial contributions may be given to Protestant Reformed Christian School or Heritage Christian High School(10790 Calumet Ave., Dyer, IN 46311) . More info at 708-333-7000 or www.smitsfuneralhomes.com. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15