In Memoriam: Rev. Theodore (Ted) Verseput

Ted Verseput was a minister in the Christian Reformed Church for more than 40 years. For 30 of those years he also served as a chaplain for the U.S. Army National Guard. Ted died Sept.19, at age 96.

Born and raised in Battle Creek, Mich., Ted graduated from Calvin College (now University) and Seminary, was ordained in 1953, then pastored Park Lane CRC in Evergreen Park, Ill. He went on to minister at South Kendall Community CRC in Miami, Fla.; Hillcrest Christian Church in Denver, Col.; and East CRC in Muskegon, Mich. He served for two years at Hope Rehabilitation Network in Grand Rapids, Mich., and then became the first director of the Committee on Disability Concerns for the CRC. (The ministry of Disability Concerns is now part of the denomination’s Thrive agency.)

Ted’s interest in and passion for disability concerns grew out of his personal experience. His youngest daughter was 2-1/2 years old when she was hit by a car, resulting in extensive brain damage and living with quadriplegia until she died in her late 40s.

Ted retired in 1992 but continued to preach and teach. He preached his last sermon in the chapel of his retirement community at age 88. He was always open to talking with anyone who needed a listening ear, spiritual guidance, wisdom, or comfort. Ted enjoyed playing Scrabble twice a week with his eldest daughter, winning his last game just days before he died.

Ted was predeceased in 2005 by his first wife, Arlene, and in 2007 by his second wife, Anne.  He was also predeceased by a son, a daughter, and a grandson. He is survived by seven children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.