Van Auken Family

A family Community Site

In Memoriam

I am the soft stars that shine at night

Benjamin Harry Van Auken

Benjamin Harry Van Auken of St. Petersburg, Fla., passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the age of 71, following an extended illness.

NOTE: All who knew Benjamin Harry Van Auken are invited to a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at Park Street Baptist Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 33 years, Theresa (Teri), and their sons Nicholas and Ben; his daughter Tammy (husband Tommy Coffman) and son Todd (wife Jennifer) from his previous marriage to Cathy Hart Foley; grandchildren Kirsten Taylor (husband Nevada), Cassidy Chichester (husband Devin), Olivia, Evan, Logan, Mason, Emma, Aiden, and Savannah, great-grandchild Ryleigh, sister Helen Cooley and husband Bert (Ithaca, N.Y), brothers Robert Van Auken and wife Debbie (Cortland, N.Y.), Joel Van Auken and wife Corie (Hudson, Fla.), Calvin Van Auken and wife Pamela (Seminole, Fla.), and Lance Van Auken and wife Robin (Bokeelia, Fla.). His sister, Molly, passed away in 2018, and his brother, Danny, passed away in 2022.Ben’s wife and family were by his side at his home at the end of his long and fruitful life. He drew his last breath as the final notes of “How Great Thou Art,” his favorite hymn, played.Ben, who was known also by his middle name, “Harry,” was born on Dec. 8, 1951, to the late Robert D. Van Auken and Ruth Huhtanen Van Auken, in Cleveland, Ohio. The Van Auken family moved to Florida in 1955, eventually settling in Largo.Ben played Little League Baseball at Cross Bayou Little League in Largo, a league co-founded by his father. A gifted artist and carpenter, he enjoyed most of all spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandaughter.He also was a tireless volunteer and longtime member of the congregation at Park Street Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, where he sang in the choir, never failed in helping those who needed it, and set an example as a believer in the principles of Christianity. He also spent time assisting numerous local charities in raising funds for special projects.Anyone who knew Ben had a friend, and could always count on his kindness and generosity. His family and wide circle of friends will miss him forever.Arrangements by Beacon Direct Cremation Services, Largo, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Park Street Baptist Church (3901 Park Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33709).All who knew Ben (Harry), are invited to a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at Park Street Baptist Church.

Daniel H. Van Auken

NOTE: All who knew Danny Van Auken are invited to a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at Bay Pines Lutheran Church (7589 113th Ave, Seminole, Fla.).

Daniel H. Van Auken of Largo, Fla., passed away on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, at the age of 68, at the end of a long battle against illness. He is survived by his beloved daughter Emily Rose Van Auken (Knoxville, Tenn.), sister Helen Cooley and her husband Bert (Ithaca, N.Y), brothers Robert Van Auken and wife Debbie (Cortland, N.Y.), Joel Van Auken and wife Corie (Hudson, Fla.), Benjamin Harry Van Auken and wife Teri (St. Petersburg, Fla.), Calvin Van Auken and wife Pamela (Seminole, Fla.), and Lance Van Auken and wife Robin (Bokeelia, Fla.). His sister, Molly, passed away in 2018.Danny was born on Nov. 6, 1953, to the late Robert D. Van Auken and Ruth Huhtanen Van Auken, in Painesville, Ohio. The Van Auken family moved to Florida in 1955, eventually settling in Largo.An outstanding multi-sport athlete, Danny played Little League Baseball at Cross Bayou Little League in Largo, a league co-founded by his father. He went on to star in baseball, track and field, and basketball, at Seminole High School, from which he graduated in 1971.While attending college, he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians and played professional baseball for two years when his career was cut short by a serious auto accident. On his professional baseball biography questionnaire, he listed his hobbies as “Cars and Girls,” and said his most memorable baseball moment to that point was “Pitching a no-hitter in a Little League All-Star Game.”After his athletic career ended, Danny went on to a long and successful career in building construction and carpentry. He married the former Cherie Haupt in 1997. Their daughter, Emily Rose, recently graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Patricia Downing Angel, Danny’s former partner and lifelong friend, is Emily’s godmother.Danny was a member of the congregation at Bay Pines Lutheran Church, Seminole, Fla., (Pastor Jesse Stern), serving as an usher. In recent years, Danny was a resident of HarbourWood Care Center in Clearwater. The family wishes to thank the staff at Harbourwood for its care.For all who knew Danny, he was a faithful friend. He leaves family and friends with wonderful memories of a life marked by unflinching generosity and kindness. Until his mental and physical health went into decline, he could be counted on to step up in any way to make other’s lives better.To say he will be missed is a vast understatement.Arrangements by Mohn Funeral Home, Seminole, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.