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1923 Benjamin 2011

Benjamin Heslinga

March 28, 1923 — April 13, 2011

HESLINGA, Benjamin ?Ben? Of Kalamazoo, MI
Formerly of Western Springs, IL Ben died early Wednesday morning, April 13, 2011 and went home to be with his Heavenly Father. He was born March 28, 1923 in Chicago, IL a son of Richard and Nancy Huiner Heslinga. He served in the US Army as a medic during World War II. While home on leave, Ben was united in marriage with the former Martha Davids on July 3, 1944. After returning home he attended Northwestern University at night and earned his bachelors degree in business. He was employed for over 30 years with Waste Management as division general manager before retiring. Ben and Martha moved to Kalamazoo in 2005. Ben was an active member of Western Springs Christian Reformed Church, serving on the counsel multiple times and was the Sunday school superintendant. He was also a member of Third Christian Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. Ben was a committed supporter of Christian Schools. He also served as president of Blackhawks 86th Division from 1988 to 1996. Ben was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings. Ben is survived by: his wife, Martha; children, Richard Barb Heslinga of Kalamazoo, Larry Barb Heslinga of Kalamazoo and Janet Ken VanByssum of Villa Park, IL; seven grandchildren, Peter Susan Heslinga, Michael Gillian Heslinga, Jane Ben Shafer, Kara Heslinga, Justin Michelle Heslinga, Melanie Kevin Danzeisen and Ben Ashley VanByssum; four great-grandchildren, Caleb, Jenna, Nathan and Lydia; a sister, Joan VanderKamp; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held 7:00 Friday evening at Third Christian Reformed Church, 2400 Winchell Ave., with Rev. Dr. Kenneth A. Baker and Rev. Meg Jenista officiating. Family and friends will gather for visitation prior to the service at church beginning at 5pm. Private interment in Chapel Hill Gardens West, Oakbrook Terrace, IL will be held Saturday. Memorials should be directed to the Kalamazoo Christian School Association. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign Ben?s online guest book or leave a condolence to his family. 269-343-1508
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