Ellen Louise Van Hammen

Ellen Louise (Osterling) Van Hammen, age 70, of Traverse City, Michigan (formerly Grand Rapids, Michigan), passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the family cottages on Platte Lake. Ellen was born on August 11, 1954 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late Carl and Gloria (Cutler) Osterling. Ellen was born the oldest of six children. She graduated valedictorian of her class at Galesburg-Augusta High School in 1972 and graduated from Michigan State University in 1976. Ellen went on to intern at Bronson Hospital. Afterwards she worked as a medical technologist in Hastings, Michigan before relocating to Grand Rapids to marry the love of her life, Philip Van Hammen, on August 19, 1978. Ellen continued her career at Blodgett Hospital (later becoming Spectrum Health), where she worked until she retired in early 2020. Ellen loved to read, swim, travel, and spend time with her family. She enjoyed her vacations on Big Platte Lake as well as their new home in Traverse City. Ellen loved helping people and always ensured there was a plan for dinner. She was known for baking pies and other desserts such as buckeyes and candy cane cookies. Out of all her joys in life, being a grandma was her favorite. Ellen leaves behind her loving husband of nearly forty-seven years, Philip Jay Van Hammen; her daughters Kathryn Louise (John) Hohfeldt and Sarah Fern (Jake) Kemp; her grandchildren Grace Louise Hohfeldt, Bryn May Kemp, and John Ross Hohfeldt, Jr. (“J.J.”); her sisters Maria (Dave) Schmit and Elaine (John) Severson; 14 nieces and nephews; and 27 great nieces and nephews. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Brian and Brad; and a baby sister. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Benzie County First Responders for their skills, knowledge, efforts, and quick response. Friends are welcome to visit with Ellen’s family from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. A memorial service honoring Ellen will take place at 2:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684 or Benzie County Fire and EMS Association, 7272 Ole White Dr., Lake Ann, Michigan 49650. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Ellen’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Ellen Louise Van Hammen

August 11, 1954 - June 22, 2025