Kenneth Eugene Van Hekken

Kenneth Van Hekken, age 97, went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, December 1, 2022. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Geraldine “Joyce” Van Hekken and great-grandson, Trey Bowman. He is survived by his children Nancy (Tom) Wiersma and Ken Jr. (Paula) Van Hekken; grandchildren Adam (Chalonda) Wiersma, Kelly Wiersma, Kara (Shawn) Bowman, Aimee (Justin) Dykstra, Tena (Jeff) Landers, Jennifer (Joe Lipscomb) Van Hekken, Jake Van Hekken, Ben Slightom, and Karrie Barnes; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ken went to school in Grand Rapids, and after graduation he proudly served his country in World War II in France. He was a great storyteller and loved to tell his grandchildren - in great detail - about all he saw and about the people he met during his time in the service. After the war, he met the love of his life and he and Joyce were married in 1949. He liked to tell the story of how they met and said it was “love at first sight."

After retirement, they loved to travel and spend more time with family. They attended 12th Avenue CRC in Jenison for many years.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2022 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation from 10:30-11 a.m. prior to service. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.