In Memoriam

Rev. Gerald J. Postma

1921 – 2007

Rev. Gerald J. Postma, whose theological originality was matched by his fine vocal and musical gifts, passed away June 5 at his home in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was 85.

Postma grew up in Grand Rapids and enrolled at Calvin College in 1940 and Calvin Seminary in 1944, graduating from the latter in 1947. That same year he married Jane Ann London.

The young pastor began his career as a Bible teacher for Illiana Christian High School, Lansing, Ill. His heart, however, remained in pastoral ministry, and in 1949 the Postmas moved to Sanborn, Iowa, where Gerald became minister of Sanborn Christian Reformed Church. In 1953 he accepted a call to East CRC of Muskegon, Mich. Three more pastorates followed: Kellogsville CRC, Kentwood, Mich. (1959); Maranatha CRC, Holland, Mich. (1963); and Olentangy CRC, Columbus, Ohio (1971).

Postma was known to have considerable administrative gifts. These were put to use, combined with his pastoral skills, when he served as director of Whetstone Convalescent Center, Columbus, Ohio, beginning in 1973, and as director of Resthaven, Holland, Mich. (1979). He retired in 1983.

Postma was a man of broad interests and many talents. His sermons were thoughtful, often interspersed with original insights. A man of ready humor, he delighted in people, regardless of their status in life. He read widely. He was a fine solo singer and a first-class choir director. His managerial gifts were often put to good use in the broader church world too. In his ministerial practice and theological thinking he was refreshingly nonconformist. In controversial matters he made sure that all sides were fairly represented and heard.

Postma is survived by his wife, Jane Ann, and their children, Thomas and Carol Postma, Richard and Ruth Postma, and Gregg and Debra Postma; and by eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.