Steven Van Beek ’04
Steven “Steve” Mark Van Beek, age 39, of Royal Oak, passed away on October 10, 2021. Steve was born on November 11, 1981, in Holland, Michigan.
Steve embraced life with a passion and commitment that shone through in his devotion as a father to Henry and Anna and as a husband to Erin. Steve was most at home as “Daddy,” a bastion of love and peace and joy to his children. His legendary hospitality and generosity toward his family and in giving them joyful experiences will never be forgotten. Steve took to everything he did with unmatched energy, and with a curious and intelligent spirit for striving to be (and often being) the best. An incredibly competitive person, at everything from baseball and board games, to cornhole and Dutch shuffleboard, Steve was also the first to include others in the action, starting up games and activities for not only his own kids, but with his many beloved nephews and nieces. The joy he had in those moments was matched only by the joy he instilled in others. Steve’s faith inspired the way he treated everyone, with the love, generosity, and grace modeled by his Savior Jesus Christ. Steve also had an enthusiasm unknown to mankind for his beloved Michigan Wolverines, and that shared passion was a source of connection with so many friends and family. Go Blue!
Steve is remembered lovingly by his son Henry, his daughter Anna, and his wife Erin; his parents David ’68 and Vonda Van Beek, his parents-in-law Steve and Debbie Plant, his brothers Harold (Kara) Krol, Daniel (Jennifer) Van Beek, Mike (Elizabeth) Krol, David (Mindy) Krol, Michael ’03 (Leanne VanDuinen ’02) Van Beek, Tom (Tera) Krol, and Matthew ’07 (Joanna) Van Beek, 19 nieces and nephews, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Steve was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Laurie Van Beek, and by his grandparents, Carl and Lois Van Beek and Jay and Necia Wesseling.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 14, from 2:30 p.m. until time of celebration of life service, 3:30 p.m., at First Congregational Church of Royal Oak, 1314 Northwood Boulevard, Royal Oak. Livestreaming of the service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/
No flowers please. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.