//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/013/94387/94387-01.jpgService
Monday, October 7, 2013
1:00 PM EDT
Pilgrim Home Cemetery
16th Street
Holland, MI 49423
Contributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
Downtown Flags c/o Holland VFW
175 West 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-2144
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/013/94387/94387-01.jpgLife Story / Obituary
Robert Dale Van Wieren, age 75, passed away unexpectedly, at his home on October 1, 2013.
He was born February 24, 1938, in Holland, Michigan, to Adrianna and John Van Wieren at their home.
Following graduation from Holland High School, Bob served in the Army. Bob was very proud to serve as an Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery. He had three honor guard distinctions. He was the longest serving guard at the tomb, and the first to be married and become a father while on duty. He was featured on a national "We Want You" poster for the army and also featured in the national news show, The Huntley-Brinkley Report, about the life of a tomb guard and the significance of their service. After his service, Bob returned to Holland with his wife to work and raise his family.
Family was very important to Bob. He loved spending time with all of them and attended many of his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and school programs. He was very proud of them and all of their accomplishments. He was always willing to go out of his way to help everyone whenever they needed it.
Bob also loved hunting, fishing and working around the house. He was a skilled craftsman in wood working, restoration of cars, motorcycles, and most recently his vintage Chris Craft boat.
Surviving him are his wife Merry and six children. Tod (Janet) Van Wieren (Emily, Annika, and Kirsten) of Grand Ledge, MI, Vicky (Mark) Jackson (Alexa, Brandon, and Blake) of Holland, Tim (Christina) Van Wieren (Adam, Elizabeth, and Sarah) of Zeeland, Mark (Peg) Van Wieren (Mady and Ella) of West Olive, Ben Van Wieren of Holland, and Jon Van Wieren of Holland, brothers: Larry Van Wieren (Dee Elferdink) of Holland and Dave (Marilyn) Van Wieren of Holland, several nephews and nieces.
Military graveside services will be 1 pm Monday at Pilgrim Home Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Heusinkveld officiating. No visitation is scheduled.
Memorial contributions may be made to Downtown Flags in c/o the Holland VFW.
Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel.