Jaren G. Van Den Heuvel

Dr. Jaren Gene Van Den Heuvel, age 86, of Oakton, Virginia, passed away on January 4, 2024. Jaren was born January 10, 1937, in Pella, Iowa, to his loving parents Henry and Gertrude Van Den Heuvel, farmers in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Jaren was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Jaren was a man of deep Christian faith, living his life in service to the Lord and others. He had a generous and joyful heart, always seeing the best in everyone he met Throughout his life, Jaren gave his time and talents to various charitable organizations including the Gideons, Habitat for Humanity, and The Lamb Center, and American Leprosy Missions. Jaren was a wonderful storyteller and had a beautiful singing voice who brought a ready smile and listening ear to those blessed to know him.

Always full of joy, Jaren entered a room with the most beautiful smile and a twinkle in his eye. Most of all his heart overflowed with love for the Lord and he sought to honor him all the days of his life. His greatest gift he left behind was sharing his faith with his family and sharing God’s love with all those he met. He truly exemplified 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Jaren is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Linda, and their daughter Heather, son-in-law Bradford Fuller, & his granddaughters Lilybelle and Ainsley. He is also survived by his son, Howard, daughter-in-law Marion, his six grandchildren Justin ( & Beth), William (& Heather), Michael, John, Jacob, and Anna; and seven great-grandchildren Henry, Elinor, Madeliene, James, Abigail, Mark and Luke. He loved his two younger brothers, Larkin (& Joyce) and Hollis, (& Ann) and their children Ryan, Corey, Holly, Jean Ann & Thomas. We rejoice that Jaren is greeted by his beloved parents, Henry and Gertrude Van Den Heuvel, who he deeply loved and respected. We pray he is holding his grandson James in his arms now and is joined by the many loving friends who have gone to Heaven before him.

Jaren graduated from Fremont High School and then Calvin College in 1959. He received his Master’s of Psychology from Western Michigan University in 1961, followed by his Doctorate of clinical Psychology from the University of South Carolina. His master’s thesis continues to be cited and used in scholarly research today. Jaren was raised working on his parents’ farm in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and always had a love for farm life and animals. He cherished his time spent on the tractor and in the garden, sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. He loved his flowers & seeing them bloom especially peonies, lilies & tulips. Jaren also had fond memories of delivering milk by boat to the Gull Lake community while studying at Western Michigan Universit. Jaren worked for several years at the Historic Annie Wittenmyer Home for Children in Davenport, Iowa, where he made a difference in the lives of many children without families.

Upon earning his Doctorate, Jaren moved to Virginia, where he worked as a psychologist and overseer of special education in Arlington County for 25 years. Following his leadership tenure at Arlington County Public Schools, Department of Special Education, Jaren’s dream of opening his own private day school came to fruition and Oak Valley Center was born. Over the years as the Director/Principal, Jaren touched the lives of countless children at the helm of his school providing special education coupled with therapeutic support. Jaren poured his heart and soul into Oak Valley Center for decades. Jaren was known for his steady leadership, joyful smile, and gentle demeanor.

Jaren found solace and strength in his faith and was a decades-long member of Vienna Presbyterian Church and the Falls Church. He loved to study God’s word and be a part of Christian fellowships and men’s groups all his life. He was an avid reader and loved great stories. He had a contagious laugh that filled the room. Jaren was an adventurous traveler, having visited China, Russia, India, Australia, and most of Europe and the United States. He believed in finding joy in God’s world and created lasting memories with his family and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Jaren’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, at 11:30 am at Vienna Presbyterian Church. A lunch reception will follow the service. Jaren’s family invites all who knew and loved him to join them in honoring his life and thanking the Lord for his presence in ours.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Lamb Center, https://www.thelambcenter.org/
An organization that brings hope and the tangible love of Christ to those in need. Jaren had a deep love for the Lamb Center, and your support would honor Jaren’s memory.

Jaren will be deeply missed by his beloved family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his legacy of joy, faith, and love help us remember him in our hearts forever.