Obituary of Marten Van Rooyen

Van Rooyen: Marten -

A resident of Chatham, and formerly of Forest, Marten Van Rooyen passed away at the Riverview Gardens with family at his side on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at the age of 87. 

Born in The Netherlands, Marten was the son of the late Dirk and Martha (Timmerman) Van Rooyen. 

Beloved husband of 61 years to Grace (nee Dreise).

Loving father to Derrick "Dick" Van Rooyen (Shirley), John Van Rooyen (Dianne), the late Annette McGregor, Martha Hooyer (Wayne), the late Darlene Crow and Paul Van Rooyen (Kathie).

Survived by sons-in-law Pete McGregor (Teri) and Mike Crow (Cindy). 

Proud Grandpa to Elizabeth, Tom, Melissa (Dan), Matt (Gemma), the late Mark; Darren (Johanna), Joel (Tina), Lauren (Trevor), Stephen; Mathew (Tanya), Shawn (Janice), Brian (Brittany), Cassandra (Trevor); Jessica, Michael (Lindsey), Candace, Brandon; Nicole (Matt), Brian, Brandon and Sarah.

Great-Grandpa to Jessie, Joshua, Kenzie, Elijah; Joshua, Oliver, Brooklyn; Lily, Violet, Rowen, Seth, Ethan, Jeremy, Noah, Kaleb, Zachary, Jayce, Wyatt; Michael, Adalynn, Everett; and Rylee.

Dear brother to Henk (Connie), Dina (late Simon), Adrian (Margaret), Alice (Bert), Martha (late Albert), the late Dick, the late Wiegert (late Hielkje), William (Margaret), Bert (Tinie), the late Aletta and Francis (Connie).

Brother-in-law to Elizabeth (Fred). 

Also missed by nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. 

Marten farmed for many years and later worked for the Farmer's Cooperative in the Forest area. Following his retirement, Marten and Grace moved to Chatham where they reacquainted with many friends. He enjoyed gardening, tinkering, fishing and his backyard chickens and rabbits. Marten had been an active member with the Forest Christian Reformed Church and recently attended First Christian Reformed Church in Chatham. 

Marten adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spending time with family.

Family will receive friends at First Christian Reformed Church, 25 Tweedsmuir Ave East, Chatham on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 12:00 pm until the Funeral Service at 1:00pm with Pastor Nate Van Denend officiating. Those planning to attend are required to register online at (https://signup.com/go/TSMDCMZ) or by phoning the Funeral Home. 

Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. 

Special thanks to all of the staff on 2 West at Riverview Gardens for their compassionate care and love for Dad. 

Donations made in memory of Marten to the First Christian Reformed Church or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040

Please click here to view the live-stream

A live audio feed of the service can be heard by dialing this number: 1-888-800-0721