IN MEMORIAM: Rev. Mark Roger Van’t Hof

Jan. 18, 1961 – Feb. 4, 2008

Rev. Mark R. Van’t Hof, humble servant of God’s people, lover of God’s handiwork, wonderful preacher and worship leader, champion of justice, and man of prayer, died all too soon at age 47 on Feb. 4, following a heart attack.

Van’t Hof was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he attended Oakdale Christian School and Grand Rapids Christian High School. He graduated from Calvin College in 1976 and Calvin Theological Seminary in 1989 with a master-of-divinity degree. He married Marcia Sue Van Wienen in 1983.

The young couple’s first charge was Westwood Christian Reformed Church of Kalamazoo, Mich. In 1989 they agreed to serve First CRC of Denver, Colo. In 2005 they accepted a call to First CRC of Grosse Point Park, Mich., a ministry that was cut short by Mark’s death.

Van’t Hof was known for his joyful godliness. This he lived in a multitude of challenges: his deep care for the congregations he served, his love of biblical studies, his careful sermon preparation, his sharing the great storms in his parishioners’ lives.

That joyful godliness he also expressed in an array of interests: his fascination with Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, his love for nature and the environment, his concern for public justice, his camaraderie with fellow church workers, and his quiet orderliness and generosity.

This summer he was to have participated in the CRC’s Sea to Sea cycling event across North America to raise funds to help end poverty.

Mark is survived by his wife, Marcia, and their 6-year-old son, Braden Isaiah.