Carroll Bennink

Mr. Carroll Bennink, age 86 of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Meijer Heart Center, Grand Rapids. He was born on November 17, 1937, in Coopersville, MI, the son of Benny and Katherine (Scharphorn) Bennink. Carroll married Dorothy Welch in Northville Michigan on June 4, 1960.

Carroll graduated from Coopersville High School and Hope College, and then obtained a master’s degree in education from Michigan State University. He began his teaching career in Standale, Michigan, and then taught junior high school in Fremont for a few years. Carroll later taught at Grand Haven Area Public Schools, where he retired after 34 years of service. Carroll was a 2012 inductee into the Grand Haven High School Hall of Fame. 

Carroll was an outstanding track coach for many years with G.H.A.P.S. and mentored many students and athletes through his involvement with Varsity and JV track and 9th grade football. During his summers off from teaching, Carroll took up painting houses in the summer months, which he enjoyed doing for many years with some long-time painting partners. 

Carroll and Dorothy had been members of Second Reformed Church prior to joining First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven where he served as Elder and Deacon, as well as serving on several committees at the church. He also served on the Board of Directors for Wildwood Springs Condominium Association and volunteered for many years with the Coast Guard Festival Committee at the information kiosk and the Grand Parade dignitaries.

Carroll was a member of the Tri-Cities Kiwanis Club and the “Garden Club,” and especially enjoyed golfing with his buddies from the senior golf leagues. He was also an avid gardener who enjoyed the outdoors and was especially fond of the sunsets over Lake Michigan.

Carroll will be forever remembered and missed by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy; and their three sons: Brian, Dave (Mary), and Jim (Joey) Bennink; seven grandchildren: Kevin, John, Alex, Zack, Brendan, Sean, and Ally; three sisters: Irma Rotman, Ruth (Robert) Garvelink, Bonnie (Jerry) Buitendorp; two brothers, Maurice (Marilyn) Bennink and Alvin (Pat) Bennink; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Bennink and Mary Voisin; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by three brothers: Harvey, Gordon, and Vernon Bennink; sister-in-law, Winifred Meredith; and brothers-in-law, William (Bill) Meredith and Arthur Voisin.

The Celebration of Life for Carroll will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven, with Rev. Dr. Troy Hauser-Brydon and Rev. Kristine Aragon-Bruce officiating. Visitations with the family will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or to the Carroll and Dorothy Bennink Education Fund c/o the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

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