IN MEMORIAM: Rev. Norman Haan

Rev. Norman B. Haan, 83, a man of vision who was always ready to help and encourage, died on April 20 following a heart attack while working in the garden.

Haan was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he attended Christian schools until graduation in l948. During and after high school he worked in his father’s print shop, thinking he would eventually take over his father’s business. After high school he also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve with the rank of “Seaman.”

Gradually, however, the longing grew in his heart to serve the Lord in gospel ministry. In 1953 he enrolled at Calvin College; upon graduation he entered Calvin Theological Seminary, graduating in l960.

Haan served the following Christian Reformed congregations: Volga (S.D.) CRC; Good Shepherd CRC, Flushing, Mich.; Phoenix (Ariz.) CRC; First CRC, Waupun, Wisc.; Worthington (Minn.) CRC; and White Lane Bible Way CRC, Bakersfield, Calif. He retired in l995.

Haan was a man of strong convictions and broad interests. He was gifted as a preacher and teacher. The church at large, as well as public affairs, held a deep fascination for him. He regularly sent prophetic letters to newspapers. Among colleagues he was known for his caring attitude, readily helping where needed. Following his retirement, his gifts as a teacher continued to be used internationally: he made several trips to Russia, the Philippines, and the Ukraine, where he taught ministry students and pastors. Concerned about the well-being of prisoners, he served Crossroad Bible Institute for fifteen years.

Following retirement, he settled in the Waupun, Wisc., area where a life of ongoing service awaited. From his involvement with Habitat for Humanity, he gained skills that enabled him to build his own retirement home.

Haan is survived by his wife, Joyce, and their children Norma Voss, Fred and Cheryl Haan, Rich and Marsha Haan, Tom and Marilyn Haan, Brenda Kamphuis, Kevin and Angela Haan, 22 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.