Dennis "Denny" Jan Van Beek

Dennis Jan Van Beek, 73 passed away in his sleep early Tuesday Morning October 11, 2022, after spending almost 2 months in the Intensive Care Unit. He awoke Tuesday morning at the feet of his savior Jesus Christ. He was welcomed to his eternal home by his mother, father, and family.

Dennis was born in Everett, Washington to Conrad and Evelyn Van Beek on July 20, 1949. He was the second of the four boys that completed the family. They lived in Everett, Washington, when, at the age of 4, Dennis contracted polio while visiting Eastern Washington and was rushed back to Providence Hospital in Everett. The next several years were marked with several major surgeries at Children’s Orthopedic Hospital in Seattle to mitigate the damage inflicted by the disease which resulted in many months of being bedridden at home.

He attended Everett Christian School and graduated from Everett High School. He went on to attend Everett Community College. Following high school, he worked as a sales associate for the J.C. Penny store on Colby Avenue. He left Everett to attend Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dennis decided to change pathways by leaving Calvin College to attend Davenport College of Business. He graduated in 1986 with an A.S. degree. When he returned, he started a career with the Everett School District as a custodian in several schools. In September of 1989 Dennis met Shirley Brown of Seattle. This meeting resulted in them being joined in wedlock on August 4, 1990. This union was blessed with the birth of their son Daniel Martin and daughter Nicole Kristine. Dennis’s family was his pride and joy, and he was very involved with everything they did.

Dennis was a lifelong member of the Everett First Christian Reformed Church participating in many opportunities to serve, lead worship and sing at the Sunday morning services. Dennis is survived by Shirley Van Beek, his wife of 32 years, son Daniel Van Beek, 30 and daughter Nicole Van Beek, 28 of Everett, WA, brothers Duane (Donna) Van Beek of Pasco, WA, Arvin (Alice) Van Beek of Marysville, WA, and Alan (Norma) Van Beek of Sunnyside, WA. He is also survived by his aunt along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Evelyn Van Beek, his wife’s parents Martin L. and Beverly J. Brown, grandparents and numerous uncles and aunts. We have lost a dear husband, father, friend, and a true gem. We will love and miss him dearly and he will be in our hearts forever.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday November 12th at 11am at Evergreen Washelli (11111 Aurora Ave North, Seattle, WA 98133) with a visitation at 10am, followed by an Interment Service at 1pm at Evergreen Cemetery (4504 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203). Dennis will be laid to rest next to his parents. Reception to follow at Everett First Christian Reformed Church.