Arent Van Stensel Pg. 414-415 - Arent Van Stensel, of the firm of Van Stensel and Timmer, 902 Grand Rapids Savings Bank building, is a realtor who has turned a knowledge of his native city into a record of business that has reached beyond a local to a state-wide and national scope, in this chosen field. He is a native of Grand Rapids, born November 28, 1885, a son of John and Cornelia (Herrwier) Van Stensel. He has carried forth the traditions of this worthy parent who was himself a native of Grand Rapids, born September 20, 1858, at a spot which in itself is rich in historical significance in the community. His birthplace was at the location where the Union depot now stands in Grand Rapids and he likewise was the son of a pioneer of Grand Rapids, Arent Van Stensel, grandfather of our subject, who was a native of the Netherlands, and who came to Ottawa county, Michigan with the Van Raalte settlement, locating in Holland, Michigan. He later removed to Grand Rapids, where he and his wife both spent the remainder of their lives. The father of the subject of this sketch, John Van Stensel, was educated in the Grand Rapids public schools and for many years worked with the Oliver Machine Company, but now lives a retired life. His wife passed on in November at the age of sixty-one years. Arent Van Stensel, the subject of our sketch, received his preliminary education in the public schools of Grand Rapids and continued his preparation in the McLaughlin Business College, being another of the many pupils who have gone forth and in their careers reflected credit upon that institution. He also studied with the Y. M. C. A. night school. In 1911 he started in the real estate business with Kinsey and Buys, with whom he remained for two years, and in 1913 launched forth in this business for himself, the present firm being organized at that time. He has not only made a success of his own business but has given generously of his time for the general development of the improved conditions and better recognition of the real estate business in the community and state. He was president for two years and is now one of the directors of the Grand Rapids Real Estate Board, and is now a member of the Michigan Real Estate Board and of the National Real Estate Board. He was married on June 18, 1913, to Miss Gertrude Van Dyke and they have three daughters: Ruth, born March 21, 1914; Eugenia, born May 29, 1917, and Esther, born November 29, 1919.

Transcriber: Mary Huizen
Created: 12 March 2003