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Ben Mol

March 3, 1925 - July 20, 2022
Grand Rapids, MI

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Edison Christian Health Center
1000 Edison Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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Life Story / Obituary


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A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Ben Mol, lived his life in service to others. Equipped with exceptional math skills, he provided for his family as a machinist throughout his successful career. Most of all, he was present for his family and never took a single day with them for granted. Ben will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many special friends and loved ones.

Benedict John’s story began in 1925. So many exciting changes were on the horizon. The first motel, The Motorist’s Hotel, opened in California, Sears Robuck opened its first store in Chicago, and The Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting. The automotive and radio industry were booming! Born one of four children, his birth brought much joy and happiness to his loving family.

Growing up on Burr Oak NE, Ben and his older siblings; Jim, Jeanne, and his younger sister, Adeline, lived a typical childhood of the times. Their father was an excellent baseball player and taught all the Mol boys how to play each position. Like most kids growing up during these times, he held a paper route and was active in sports. He also loved singing in the choir both at Creston Christian Reformed Church, where the family attended and at school. Sadly, when Ben was only thirteen years old, his father passed away. His father’s last words to him were to live his life for Jesus and that message carved a path for Ben throughout his life. Loss would strike again when he and his brother, Jim, were serving in the military and received news that their little sister, Adeline, had died at the age of twelve. Grief and loss were difficult themes in his early years, teaching Ben to never let any opportunity pass him by. He proudly graduated with the Class of 1943 from Creston High before being drafted into the United States Army. After completing basic training at Camp Lejeune in Georgia, he was stationed in Hawaii. During his years in the service, he operated as a member of a gunner crew. These years instilled in him the value of living a disciplined life.

Back at home, he fell for a girl in the church choir, Joy Smitter. Sharing a common love of the Lord and for singing, they began dating and the rest was history! Ben and Joy married on November 14, 1947, at Creston CRC. The newlyweds took a honeymoon to Ohio to visit close friends. Eager to start their family, they welcomed their first child, Tim, while living in an apartment above Ben’s parent’s home. At their forever home on Oaklawn NE, two additional children, Linda and Brian, arrived, completing their family.

A strong provider, Ben worked as a machinist apprentice at Lyddell Ironworks. He later took his skills to Keeler Brass before landing at Marton Tool & Die where he retired after twenty years. Ben always found joy in his work. He taught his kids music appreciation, as well as baseball and sports. They have many memories of him on the front porch listening to the voice of Ernie Harwell broadcasting the Detroit Tiger baseball games. Ben approached everything with a sincere heart and interest in supporting his family to the best of his ability. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for each and every one of them.

When it came to life’s special interests, Ben held a variety of favorite pastimes. For many years he and Joy swam laps at the Forrest Hills Aquatic Center. He dabbled in flower gardening and kept up with his sports teams. Music held his heart for many years and he was proud to be an active member of the King’s Choraliers for most of two decades. A highlight of those years was traveling with them on his first plane ride to Colorado Springs for a concert! At church, he loved supporting projects and served as a deacon for several terms. However, his favorite pastime was spending time with his growing family. As a grandpa, Ben loved to play games and teach his grandchildren his love of music. He enjoyed playing the harmonica for them and attending their special concerts and sports games. Dedicated to his family and blessed with an abundant life, Ben leaves behind many treasured memories for his family to enjoy forever. May they always remember his warm and nurturing ways as well as his wonderful guidance to comfort them in the years to come.

Benedict J. Mol, age 97, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away July 20, 2022, and is now in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ben was born March 3, 1925, in Grand Rapids to the late James and Gertrude (Zoodsma) Mol. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Joy Mol; and his siblings, Adeline Mol, Jim Mol, and Jeanne Sjoerdsma. Ben was a proud veteran of the U.S, Army serving during WW II. He was a lifelong member of the Creston Christian Reformed Church. Music brought great joy to Ben’s life and he sang for two decades with the King’s Choraliers. He will be remembered as hard-working, dedicated to the faith, and longing for others to know the Lord. Ben is survived by his children; Tim and Kim Mol, Lin and Dave Shatto, Brian and Josephine Mol; grandchildren, Brooke (Matt) Clifton, Adam Mol, Matt (Jayne) Shatto, Emily (Matt) Evans, Danielle Mol, Lyndsey (Brent) McCann, Nick Slager; several great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, June Vellenga, Ruth Rozema, Carol Kooistra; and several nieces and nephews. The family expresses deep appreciation to the staff of Edison Christian Health Center for the loving care provided to their father. A private graveside service was held at Fairplains Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions to Edison Christian Foundation are appreciated. To share a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.

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