A gentle and humble man of grace and integrity, John VanRegenmorter truly lived his life for the Lord, walking the talk every day. “Most important to him,” said his family, “was that he knew he was a sinner saved by grace, and he wanted that to be each of our testimonies as well as that of those to whom he ministered.” John died Feb. 1, having lived with Parkinson’s disease for more than 14 years.
Born in Michigan, John graduated from Calvin College (now University) and Seminary and was ordained in 1974. He later obtained a Doctor of Ministry degree from North American Baptist Seminary in 1985.
John pastored Northside Christian Reformed Church in Clifton, N.J.; Shalom CRC in Sioux Falls, S.D.; and First CRC in Denver, Col. He then served for 15 years as chaplain and director of Stepping Stones, a ministry for infertile couples at Bethany Christian Services in Grand Rapids, Mich. He authored two books on infertility and wrote numerous articles on the Christian faith, infertility, and adoption.
Adventurous, and with a love of travel, he undertook seminary summer assignments in Alaska and in Olympic National Park and did his seminary internship with CRC World Missions (now part of Resonate Global Mission) in the Philippines. John also enjoyed swimming, walking, reading, and writing. He had a great sense of humor, and sometimes it was difficult to know if he was joking or serious.
John is survived by Sylvia, his wife of 49 years; three children and their spouses; and five grandchildren.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.
