Donald Van Ark

Donald J. Van Ark, age 96, passed away on January 27, 2017, to be united with his wife Lileeth in heaven.

He is survived by his brother, Mike and Mae Van Ark of Holland; a nephew, Jon and Gwen (son Daniel) Van Ark of Chapel Hill, NC and a niece Elizabeth Van Ark of Holland.

Don graduated from Holland High School, Hope College, and the University of Michigan. He spent almost 4 years during WWII in the Signal Corp attached to the Air Force, was discharged as a Captain.

He taught for five years at North Holland School and 29 years as a teacher and principal at Lakeview School in Holland.

Don was a member of the Central Park Reformed Church where he served as a deacon, elder, and teacher of the Adult Bible Study Class. He was the manager at Camp Geneva in Holland for 11 summers. In retirement, working in his garden and yard kept him busy. He enjoyed trout fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winter,

Since the death of Don’s wife 10 ½ years ago, we appreciated all the visits, rides, and meals that were provided by Diane Geese, Rev. Sam and Helen Hofman, and Lee and Milly Ten Brink. While at Appledorn, Del Bos visited him weekly. We also wish to thank the kind and caring staff and Appledorn South for helping him the last three years.

Memorial services will be 11 am Saturday (February 4) at the Central Park Reformed Church, 614 Myrtle Avenue, with Rev. Kevin Kleinheksel officiating.

Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery.

Visitation will be 10-11 am prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Park Reformed Church Memorial Fund or Geneva Camp and Retreat Center.

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel.