Howard Lee Bekins

Howard Lee Bekins, age 83 of Grand Haven, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, September 30, 2022. Howard, known as Howie, was born on October 25, 1938, in Grand Haven, MI, the youngest child of Joseph and Jennie (Kuyers) Bekins. He married Patsy Lou Schippers on September 25, 1959 in Grand Haven. 

Howie came to know Christ as his Savior in his later teens. This faith influenced his leadership in all he did. He was a well-respected husband, father, grandfather, brother, church member, teacher, and business leader. Howie was always looking for ways to learn something new or fix something broken. He completed the Dale Carnegie Course for public speaking and went on to teach small engine repair for the Grand Haven Area Public Schools Adult Education and auto repair for the Careerline Tech Center’s evening classes. He served on the board at the time of developing the Careerline Tech Center.

Howie worked for Redeker Ford as service manager for several years, Wessels TBA, and in 1985, established Bekins Auto Service with his son, Mark, later joined by his youngest son, Chris. 

Howie served his country in the Army National Guard from 1956 to 1964. He was a long-time member of Hope Church, where he and Pat were married, and their five children were baptized and met Christ. Howie served as elder, Sunday School teacher, and Boy Scout Master of Troop 28. He was well-loved and respected for his strong leadership and ability to have fun, all while developing character in those he led.

Howie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pat; and his children, Mark (Paula) Bekins, Shelley (Terry) Hollar, Rita (Derek) Endres, Rhonda (Steve) Dryfhout, and Chris (Beth) Bekins; his 12 grandchildren: Morgan, Drew, Dave, Kailee, Adreana, Onica, Maryssa, Abbie, Hannah, Otto, Sam, and Dorie; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Dorothy VanDoornik; in-laws, Elizabeth Styx and Edna Schut; and many nieces and nephews.

Howie was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Katherine Bruins; brothers, Henry, Harvey, Clinton, and Clifford; and many in-laws.

The Funeral Service for Howie will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 3, 2022 at Hope Church with Pastor Gerald Dykstra officiating. Visitations will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Foundation-Hospice or Positive Options of the Lakeshore Pregnancy Center.

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