John Ver Beek ’56

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Filbrandt Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services on May 3, 2024.
John Gilbert Ver Beek, 90, of South Haven, was born into life on May 1st, 1934 and entered into eternal life on May 1st, 2024.
John was born in Byron Center, Michigan to John J. and Irene (Haan) Ver Beek, graduated from Holland High School, and earned his BA in business administration from Hope College in 1958, after serving 2 years in the US Army stationed in Stuttgart Germany.
While at Hope, John met Margery Addis, and after graduation they were married at her home church in Brookville, Long Island, New York. He began his family in Muskegon, MI where he was hired by General Telephone. He was transferred to Adrian where he and his family lived for many years before moving to South Haven as Division Manager in 1974, where he retired after 30 years of service.
He is survived by his wife Margery, two sons Jeffrey (Laura) and Gregory (Sandra), brother Carl (Sandra), two grandchildren Matthew and Olivia, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his older sister Jeanne.
John was a member of Hope Reformed Church where he served as an Elder, Stephen Minister and Choir Member.
Community service was a very important part of his life and was recognized as South Haven Citizen of the Year. His volunteer work included the South Haven Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, where he was a Harris Fellow, United Way, South Haven Community Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, We Care, Board Chair of South Haven Community Hospital, Downtown Development Authority, and Van Buren County Planning Commission.
John loved to travel and he and Margery travelled in the US, Canada, Europe, Russia and Africa. They opened their home to foreign exchange students, and Andrei and Adriana are still considered part of their family. John enjoyed time with his grandchildren, lunch and book club friends, playing tennis, and singing with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus.
Services for John will be held at Hope Church South Haven 1365 Monroe Blvd, South Haven, Michigan, 49090, Saturday, June 22nd with visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11 a.m. followed by lunch and interment.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Corewell Health Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, or South Haven Community Foundation.