Benjamin E. Van Dis, age 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Ben was born and raised in East Saugatuck and attended Elmwood School through 8th grade. He then attended Holland Christian High School and received his GED while serving in the Army.
Ben served in the U.S. Army from 1956 – 1958. He then married the love of his life, Loie, in December after the Army assignment.
Ben was a gifted builder and hard worker. He was employed by local builders for years until he began his own building business with his friend Bill Kolean. He finished his career and working years as co-owner of DeWaard Interiors. He enjoyed teaching youth group students and his grandchildren how to make ink pens on his lathe. He was very involved in building projects big and small at Central Wesleyan Church (CWC) where he was a member.
Ben was involved in various committees and boards over the years in the community and at each church he had attended throughout his life. He will be remembered most for his heart of prayer & his love for missions. Ben served as Prayer Coordinator for years at CWC. He faithfully made weekly phone calls (no computer) to remind team members when it was their turn to pray on Sunday. Another favorite activity was riding around the ring road at church and praying for all of the pastors, staff, and missionaries. Missions were very important to Ben. He was part of several mission trips serving in places like Barbados and St. Croix.
Ben loved to watch his kids and grandkids play sports, attend band concerts or other activities. His bright smile, sparkly eyes, and friendly whistle will surely be missed. He and his dear wife leave a beautiful legacy for the family to continue to seek and serve others in Jesus’ name.
Ben was preceded in death by two children, Douglas Van Dis and Jeanne Van Dis; parents, Benjamin and Irene Van Dis; in-laws, Louis and Alma DeWaard; and sisters-in-law, Karyl Van Dis and Elaine Van Dam.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Loie Van Dis; children, Laura & Mark Ebbers,
Steve & Nancy Van Dis; grandchildren: Joel & Kara Ebbers, Anna & Matt Beck, Leah & Josh Mugford, Steven Guy Van Dis, Wilson Van Dis; 8 great grandchildren: Braeden & Emma Ebbers, Cora, Oliver & Bella Beck, Laura, Andrew & Ben Mugford; siblings, Bertus Van Dis, Pauline & Daryl Wabeke, Jim & Gloria DeWaard, Jack DeWaard; and several nieces, nephews & cousins.
Visitation will be from 11:00-11:45 am on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Central Wesleyan Chapel – Entrance D or G (446 West 40th St. Holland, MI 49423).
Funeral service to start at Noon that same day in the Chapel also at Central Wesleyan.
Burial to take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Ben’s family wishes to thank the team at Hospice of Holland and the Memory Care staff at Quincy Place for their excellent and loving care of Ben.
Memorial contributions in Ben’s honor may be given to Central Wesleyan Church Missions.
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