Rev. Jack Van Dyken

November 6th, 1918 - January 9th, 2009

Rev. Jack's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Rev. Jack here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

I am a person from the past.. you may not even remember me, but I live in Portage Mi and read of your fathers passing and called my parent at once. I remember your father as if it was yesterday. I remember your family moving into a BIG white house off Leonard St. and my sister and I were invited to come over and play w/ jow and Betty. Do you guys remember Bonnie and Sandy Decker?
Anyways, my parents and I are so sorry foryour lose but we want your family to know that we will pray for peace and comfort during this time.
I would really like to hear from you guys. Bonnie

Bonnie Decker-Dock

I served with Chaplain Van Dyken many
years ago as his chaplain assistant.
He was aways kind and strong and he
loved his job and it showed. He expected his staff to treat all soldiers who walked in the Chapel with
kindness and respect regardless of rank.In fact he always said leave your
rank at the door because this is the
Lord's House and he is the Commander
and Chief.
I saw him one time in Modesto after I
got out of the service and he was so
glad to share alittle time with me. In fact I called him when I read that his
wife had died and passed on some comfort and prayer. I feel so fortunate
to have known him and my life was enriched by his friendship and love.
Please be assured of my love and prayers at this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Lynn M. Valerio (Val)

Sp5 Lynn M. Valerio NCOIC

Dear family of Jack,
You have our deepest sympathy. We have many fond memories of Jack as we worked together at Church of the Cross. we appreictaed his wisdom, his friendship, his pastoral caring of the congregation.Even after Church of the Cross, we remember many breakfasts or lunches together where we would catch up with what was happening. He liked to listen to to what happening with our four boyds, but enjoyed so much talking about what was happening with you, his family. We appreicate the special interest Jack took in our son Mike. You are in our prayers. God bless
you. Warren and Arvella and family

Rev & Mrs Warren Bovenkerk

To the family,
It is so ver difficult to convey in words the feelings of sympathy over the loss of a loved one or special someone. The numerous, to many to count, sweet memories of the times shared with jack over these past, many years is impossible to describe. From studying scripture and doing Bible research to enjoying God's majesty at Yosemite or at the ocean, even when a seagull used me for target practice. (my hero with a hanky). Jack always inspired a lesson in thankfulness. He was warm and loving, giving and copassionate. A man of morals, integrity,principles and a true Christian. He practiced what he preached. I know he couldn't stand styrofoam cups or mugs and had to chuckle everytime he would pull out a couple of china cups from the trunk of his car. Donut shops just don't carry them. " And coffee just tastes better in china." When I emember Jack, I think of jet skis and his porche and how he would laugh when I teased him about the bird flying low toight. There have been many years and too many memories. They would fill a book. He was one in a million. One of God's angels on earth and now he is seeing first hand his true reward. What he had spent so many years preaching about. He will forever be loved and missed. He was my heart.

Audrey Renda

I have lost touch with Pastor Van Dyken in recent years, but he was used of the Lord mightily when God first saved me. I am indeed grateful for the time he gave to disciple me. He often had me recite the verse- Genesis 32:26. I will especially remember his care, concern, and tenderness with the time of me being a babe in Christ (Matthew 25:40). Pastor Jack really shined in small group settings and especially brought the Word out at those times. He loved wax eloquent on the subject of Heaven. I remember him saying that he was thankful that God allowed the fall to happen, not because of sin, but because only then could we be redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, by God's grace, be brought to the glorious Heaven that God has prepared. Otherwise, we would just have the Garden of Eden. As he would often relate, there is the time when he was 5 yrs old, he spoke of his father holding his hand late at night, in the dark on their way to the outhouse. His father would convey how our heavenly Father holds our hand through the darkest hours of our life! May God help you through this hour. I trust he is dwelling in the place he loved to dwell on and beholding the Lamb of God (Rev.7:17). May the Lord bless and keep your family!

Rev. Jack Van Dyken

Rev. Jack's Memory Wall

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