In Memoriam: Rev. Peter Huisman

1916 –2005

Following some months of failing health, Rev. Peter Huisman passed away peacefully Dec. 7, 2005, at Sunset Manor, Holland, Mich., surrounded by his family. He was 89.

Huisman was born in Chicago, where he attended Morgan Park High School and followed a four-year architectural course, which stood him in good stead in providing leadership for several building projects of churches he served later.

Life during the Depression years was not easy for the young Huisman, but he managed to enter Calvin College and graduated from Calvin Seminary in 1944. In 1942 he married Anna Van Someren.

Upon graduation, the couple accepted a call from Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Allison, Iowa. In 1948 they agreed to serve Eastmanville ( Mich.) CRC. Ministry in five more Christian Reformed churches followed: Corsica (S.D.) CRC, 1951; Palos Heights ( Ill.) CRC, 1957; Rock Rapids ( Iowa) CRC, 1962; Pine Creek CRC, Holland, Mcih., 1966; and East Palmyra (N.Y.) CRC, 1974. The Huismans retired in 1981.

Peter Huisman loved the Reformed faith: he taught its many implications with conviction and defended it in whatever setting possible. He prepared his catechism classes with utmost care. But this born teacher loved his congregations and was a man of the people. Children were drawn to him. And in spite of a heavy ministerial task, he always had time for his two daughters.

Huisman is survived by his wife, Anna; their children, Judith and David Stansby and Louise Miles; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.