Benjamin Henry VanderZwaag

Benjamin Henry VanderZwaag, age 83 of Nunica, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at home. Benjamin was born May 28, 1933 to Lambert and Elizabeth (Rose) VanderZwaag in Nunica.  He married Karen Lehman on June 22, 1959 in Grand Haven. Ben proudly served in the Michigan National Guard for eight years. He was a lifelong resident of Tri-Cities area. Ben worked at Dake Corp as a machine operator for 28 years. Ben was a member of First Congregational Church of Fruitport, the Portside A Model Club and the Michigan Automobile Restore Club. He and his wife, Karen, fostered over 168 children over 27 years. Ben is survived by his wife, Karen; son Jim VanderZwaag of Grand Haven; daughters Tamarah Habian of Grand Rapids, Nancy (Carl) Nelson of Grand Haven, Barbara (Terry) Boyer of Nunica; 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; sister Gertrude Smallegan of Grand Haven; in-laws Janet (Lawrence) Keur, Barbara (Gordon) Coates, Joyce Lehman. He was preceded in death by several brothers, sisters and brothers-in-law. A memorial visitation and luncheon will be at held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at First Congregational Church. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church.  Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Ben’s online guest book. Arrangements by Klaassen Family Funeral Home.