Leslie Van Beveren ’64

Les (Leslie) Van Beveren of Chicago, IL, Holland, Okemos and East Lansing, MI and Estero, FL, passed away in his home surrounded by close family on July 30, 2021. He was born in Chicago, Il, to Marten and Ann (Horak) Van Beveren.

Les is survived by his wife Carol of 68 years, daughters Lynn Heline, Teri Lee Dyke (John), and son Lee (Leslie, Jr) (Doreen), brother Glen (Joyce) Van Beveren, sister Cherie (John) Stevens, deceased brothers Marten, Jr, Edward and Wayne Van Beveren and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Les was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend. Les served four years in the Marine Corps during the Korean War as a radar specialist on an F7F Tomcat. He graduated from Hope College in Holland Michigan where he served on the Holland Police force, became the first juvenile officer and rose in rank to Chief of Police. Les also graduated from the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia. Governor Milliken tasked Les to establish the first Michigan Police Training academies and established minimum competencies for graduating officers to be certified. The family spent happy times together raising horses, boating on lake Michigan and Bills Lake, traveling and spending memorable times together.

Les and Carol retired to Florida and spent many wonderful years together traveling, golfing and spending time with family and friends. Les was a devoted member of Estero Methodist Church and enjoyed volunteering where needed. A special thank you to CareLine Hospice specifically, Betsy, Sarah, Amanda and Chaplain Scott for their compassionate care and support during his final days.