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The 39-year-old father of Michigan’s first surviving set of sextuplets suffered a heart attack and died after setting up a trampoline for his children, a relative said.
Van Houten lived in the Holland area in western Michigan. In 2004, his wife, Amy, gave birth to six children over three days at a hospital in Grand Rapids. They’re now 10 years old, and they have a 7-year-old sister.
“Just to know Ben for even one day would be a blessing,” father-in-law Calvin Reimink told The Grand Rapids Press.
Reimink said Van Houten set up a trampoline in his yard and was playing with his children when the heart attack occurred. Van Houten’s father died of heart problems at age 40.
“He was always spending time with the kids,” Reimink said of his son-in-law.
The sextuplets were tiny at birth: the largest was only 2 pounds, 1 ounce. Two have cerebral palsy.
The full statement from Calvary Baptist Church:
Ben Van Houten was a man who loved God, loved his wife and his children, and loved people. He made it clear who he was…He was God’s.
“He was the most selfless person I’ve ever met. He was just a servant, through and through. Every fiber,” said Amy Van Houten, Ben’s wife.
Ben and his wife, Amy, served together in many ways. Ben had a heart to serve God and His people and to show his children that their life was not about them and their comfort; it was about God putting them here to glorify Him in everything they did. Ben was a great father who instilled a spirit of service within his children. He taught them to joyfully open doors, greet, and welcome people each Sunday morning. He encouraged them to write notes to the elderly.
Ben and Amy together had a heart for growing godly marriages and families. They opened their hearts and their home to countless couples throughout their 15 years of marriage. Ben, along with his wife, Amy, shepherded dozens of families as Community Group Leaders at Calvary as well.
Ben Van Houten, 39, became a baptized member of Calvary Baptist Church 16 years ago.
He and his wife most recently played an active part in Calvary’s Children’s Ministry, serving as Calvary’s Awana Directors, as part of the Children’s Ministry Leadership team, and in Calvary’s Vacation Bible School outreach each summer. Ben also mentored countless children through Calvary’s bus ministry.
Ben Van Houten was dedicated in his servant leadership through his position as deacon on Calvary’s Leadership Council.
Ben was a respected friend, teacher, and mentor to many people in Calvary’s congregation and the community. He will be dearly missed.
The funeral for Ben will be on Monday, April 14. More details will be release as we receive them.
We will strive to determine how we can best help Amy and her children and will also provide this information as it evolves.
At this time, in order to allow the family to grieve together, we ask that you do not visit their home.
Agencies/Canadajournal
