In Memoriam

Rev. Edward Bossenbroek

1914 - 2007

Rev. Edward Bossenbroek, preacher, theologian, educator, and advocate for the poor, passed away July 1, 2007, at age 93 in Stanwood, Wash., after suffering a few years from Alzheimer’s.

Bossenbroek was born in Waupun, Wis., where he attended grade school and high school. He then enrolled at the Teacher’s Normal School, which enabled him to teach high school for a few years. He enrolled at Calvin College in 1939, graduating in 1940 and continuing on to Calvin Theological Seminary, from which he graduated in 1943.

Bossenbroek began his ministerial career in 1943, when he accepted a call from Community Christian Reformed Church in Saginaw, Mich. While there he married Elizabeth Van Dyke in 1944. In 1948 the young couple moved to Woden, Iowa, where Edward became pastor of Woden CRC.

One more congregation profited from this pastor’s gifts: the Christian Reformed church of Grant, Mich., welcomed him to their pulpit in 1952.

Bossenbroek had always known that his strength lay in teaching and ministering to youths. In 1956 he accepted an appointment to the faculty of Illiana Christian High School, from which retired in 1980. Following his retirement Bossenbroek served a number of churches on an interim basis.

Although Edward remained a teacher in all his ministries, he always stressed the love of God and the redemptive work of Christ. Bible studies had the love of his heart. Before the term became popular, he was a mentor to many, always encouraging young and old to become students of the Bible.

His heart beat warmly for the suffering and the poor. Elizabeth Bossenbroek played a helpful role in her husband’s ministry. A gracious hostess, she was also a gifted musician and vocalist as well as a delightful entertainer, doing skits at various events. Mrs. Bossenbroek passed away Sept. 1, 2007.

Bossenbroek is survived by his children, Beth Schipper and Fay and Evan Garrett, and by two grandchildren.