A pastor, chaplain and past Chaplaincy director who “would go out of his way to connect with people that most of us would overlook,” Jake Heerema died Oct. 11 at age 87.
In Memoriam
In Memoriam: Rev. Norman Edmund Jones
1931-2024A member, in his retirement, of Aylmer (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church, Norman Jones was described at his funeral as “beloved pastor to the entire town.”
In Memoriam: Rev. Anthony (Tony) Begay
1938-2024Pastor, chaplain, and Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Anthony Begay was known for his deep faith and kind and generous spirit. He died Sept. 5 at age 86.
In Memoriam: Rev. Vernon F. Geurkink
1936-2024Vern Geurkink was an academic who sought to be a person of integrity. He had a lifelong commitment to justice and mercy. Vern, 88, died Aug. 2.
A pastor who saw his calling as being “a Storyteller with a capital ‘S,’” Herm Van Niejenhuis loved to help others explore the wonder and truth of the Christian faith. He died July 24 at age 75.
As a pastor, church planter, and home missionary, Don Griffioen spent his ministry career bringing churches together, focusing on similarities rather than differences. He died May 26 at age 92.
In Memoriam: Rev. Anthonie Vanden Ende
1926-2024From “Dominee Vanden Ende” to “Pastor Tony,” Anthonie Vanden Ende’s pastoral ministry spanned 43 years, two countries, and three Canadian provinces.
In Memoriam: Rev. Arnold Rumph
1929-2024A pastor, missionary, and theology teacher, Arnold Rumph seemed ready at the end of his life to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” He died June 19 at age 94.
In Memoriam: Rev. John Boonstra
1930 - 2024A hard-working, disciplined teacher and preacher with a dry sense of humor, John Boonstra pastored five congregations and served another six communities as an interim pastor. He died June 20 at age 93.
In Memoriam: Rev. David John Weemhoff
1954-2024Dave Weemhoff was a humble man with a ready smile and a caring and gentle spirit. He died May 2 at age 69.
In Memoriam: Rev. Scott A. DeVries
1976-2024Trained as both an engineer and a pastor, Scott DeVries had a calm demeanor and shared his strengths of patience and strategic thinking as a denominational leader.
Tony Schweitzer was a pastor who also served outside of the church in ministries offering spiritual care and belonging for people with disabilities. He died Feb. 25 at age 81.
A “faithful, honorable, and dependable man of God,” Dick Duifhuis died May 22, 2023. He was 86.
In Memoriam: Rev. Allan Henry Jongsma
1933-2024A kind and approachable pastor known for his passionate preaching and pastoral heart, Allan Jongsma died Feb. 2. He was 90.
In Memoriam: Rev. Lugene (Archie) Bazuin
1926-2024A pastor to fellow pastors, who was passionate about preaching, Archie Bazuin lived to 97 years. He died Jan. 12.
In Memoriam: Rev. H. David Schuringa
1952-2023A pastor, seminary professor, and leader of prison ministry, David Schuringa, had a commitment to the Christian Reformed confessions and an impact beyond the denomination. He died Sept. 14, 2023, at age 70.
In Memoriam: Rev. Jerry L. Alferink
1945-2023Described as compassionate, affectionate, and generous, Jerry Alferink was a pastor and chaplain who loved preaching. He died Dec. 29 at age 78.
In Memoriam: Rev. John Pasma
1950-2023A steady, compassionate man who was a highschool teacher before he was a pastor, John Pasma lived his final years with Parkinson’s disease and esophageal cancer. He died Nov. 22 at age 73.
In Memoriam: Rev. Kenneth Van De Griend
1944-2023Pastor and missionary, Ken Van De Griend, was a passionate, humble man with a heart for missions. He died Nov. 22, at age 79.
In Memoriam: Rev. Dale W. Vander Veen
1943-2023Campus pastor, preacher, pianist, organist and writer, Dale Vander Veen died Oct. 25. He was 80.
Former executive secretary of the Council of Christian Reformed Churches in Canada, who also served for 20 years in parish ministry, Rev. Arie Van Eek died Nov. 7. He was 91.
In Memoriam: Rev. John Gerrit Groen
1930-2023A caring pastor and passionate evangelist, the ministry of John Groen, as one friend described, “centered around the truth that we are ‘dead to sin’ and ‘alive to God in Jesus Christ.’” He died Oct. 3, at age 93.
A minister, a U.S. Army National Guard chaplain, and first director of the Christian Reformed Church’s Committee on Disability Concerns, Ted Verseput died Sept. 19. He was 96.
In Memoriam: Rev. Frederick F. Heslinga
1946-2023A modest, humble man with a great sense of humor, Fred Heslinga pastored six churches and was an active pastor of visitation until he died Sept. 26. He was 77.