Benjamin Fredrick Schaap III, 86, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 14, 2026, at Circle of Life in Bentonville, Arkansas.  Fred was born November 26, 1939, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, to Stella "Sue" (Hines) Schaap and Ben F. Schaap, Jr.

Growing up in Ft. Smith, Fred's childhood was deeply rooted in his Christian faith and continued throughout his life.   In 1961, he graduated from St. John's College in Winfield, Kansas, and furthered his education at Concordia Seminary in Forest Park, Illinois.   Upon receiving his teacher's certificate, Fred served as a parochial school teacher in Illinois and Arkansas before entering the corporate world, where he excelled in sales and later investments.

At the age of 40, Fred moved from Alabama to St. Louis, Missouri, returning to college where he received his ministerial degree from Concordia Theological Seminary and served churches in Arkansas and North Carolina.     He later returned to the business world and again enjoyed a successful career in sales.

Throughout Fred's life, he had a wide variety of interests from sports (golf, fishing, calling the Hogs), to gardening, creating stained glass and line dancing, always attempting to perfect whatever endeavor held his interest at the time!  In his later years, Fred served as a Visitation Pastor, Stephen Minister/Leader, and led several weekly Bible studies throughout Bella Vista.

Fred was previously married to Judy (Bishop) Schaap, and together they had two children, Benny and Lorena.

Fred is survived by his wife, Kristine, whom he married May 26, 2000; his two children; his grandchildren Katherine (Johnnie), Joseph, Benjamin V, Olivia, Rachel, and Rebecca (Trent); his great-grandchildren Jackson, Kinley, Katelyn, and Karoline.   Fred is also survived by one sister, Sally (Randy); one brother, Don (Judy); as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Fred will be held at Bella Vista Lutheran Church (1990 Forest Hills Blvd) on Monday, August 24, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m.