Bernard "Bernie" Van Der Molen

December 3, 1924 - March 27, 2018

Bernard “Bernie” Van Der Molen, age 93, of DeMotte, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 3, 1924 in New Holland, South Dakota to Cornelius and Alice (Alberts) Van Der Molen, both deceased. On October 3, 1952, in DeMotte, Indiana, Bernie married Kathleen Seegers. Bernie was self-employed as a farmer. Bernie & Kathleen together, shared in the labor of working on their family farm. They were known for growing blueberries, asparagus, and asparagus crowns. Bernie was a member of First Christian Reformed Church where he was a Deacon and Elder. He also led a large men’s Bible Study for 15 years. Bernie wrote two family biographies and two books, one titled “The Amazing 20th Century” and another titled “Memories of Our Life Together” to commemorate 65 years of their loving marriage. He also served on the Illiana & DeMotte Christian School boards. Bernie is survived by his wife, Kathleen Van Der Molen of DeMotte, IN; children: David Van Der Molen of Merrillville, IN; Mary (Randy) Luedtke of DeMotte, IN; Ruth (Adrian) Dieleman of Visalia, CA; Debbie (Steve) Hubers of DeMotte, IN; Mark (Margo) Van Der Molen of DeMotte, IN; Liz (Paul) Kik of Hudsonville, MI; 14 grandchildren: Sarah Turner & Amy Turner, David (Linda) Dieleman, Chris (Steph) Dieleman & Joshua (Jenna) Dieleman, Rachel (Jon) Huisman, Mary (Steve) Kallemeyn, Josh (Jessica) Hubers & Rebekah Hubers, Adam (Chelsea) Van Der Molen & Eric (Lori) Van Der Molen, Jacob Kik, Matthew Kik & Emma Kik; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister, Ella Aasen of Long Beach, CA. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and 7 sisters. Friends may call at Jackson Funeral Service of DeMotte from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, April 2, 2018 and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Funeral services will be held at First Christian Reformed Church of DeMotte on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Laryn Zoerhof officiating. Interment will follow at Holland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to DeMotte Christian Schools or DeMotte Good Neighbor Food Pantry.