In Memoriam: Rev. Charles S. Steenstra

Nov. 1, 1930 – June 21, 2007

Rev. Charles Steenstra, known for his listening and sympathetic counseling ability, passed away June 21, following a stroke at his home in Hudsonville, Mich. He was 76.

Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., Steenstra attended Southwest Christian School and Grand Rapids Christian High School. He wed Carolyn Bishop in 1951 and graduated from Calvin College in 1952 and from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1955.

The Steenstras began their ministry in 1955, when they accepted a call to the Chandler (Minn.) Christian Reformed Church. Four more congregations followed: Dutton (Mich.) CRC, 1959; Faith CRC, Holland, Mich., 1964; Ivanrest CRC, Grandville, Mich., 1977; and Westview CRC, Grand Rapids, 1983. Steenstra retired in 1996. During his retirement years he continued to serve churches in West Michigan in several capacities.

Pastor Chuck was a man of wit and humor, a ready and sympathetic listener, but also a seasoned student of God’s Word. His thoughtful preaching was much appreciated. He was a pastor who always found time to do more visiting, teach many classes, prepare two sermons every week, direct the churches’ programs, and somehow keep up on necessary reading. He served on several denominational boards and also those of Christian schools. The classes (regional bodies of Christian Reformed churches) he served delegated him regularly to the CRC’s annual meetings of synod.

Steenstra is survived by his wife, Carolyn; by their children, Charlie and Avis Steenstra, Tim and Pam Steenstra, Cherie and Cory Dykstra, and Terry and Judy Steenstra; and by nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.