In Memoriam: Rev. William Versluys II

March 10, 1946 – January 22, 2009

Rev. William Versluys II, 62, sympathetic friend to many, companion to society’s injured, a man passionate for the spread of the gospel, and a man of prayer and song, passed away on January 22 as the result of a spinal cord infection.

Versluys was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he attended the Baldwin and Mayfield Elementary Schools and Grand Rapids Christian High School.

After two years at Calvin College and one year at Dordt College, he was in the business world for ten years. He resumed his studies at Calvin College in l976 and graduating the following year. He entered Calvin Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1981.

He married Connie Van Til in l966.

 Versluys began ministry as a missionary to the Philippines. Four years later he accepted a call to Cascades Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Jackson, Mich.

In 1990 Versluys became the pastor of Community CRC of Saginaw, Mich. He also served Bethel CRC of Princeton, Minn.; Hancock (Minn.) CRC; First CRC in Crookston, Minn.; and Redeeming Love CRC in East Grand Forks, Minn.

Versluys had a passion for the gospel and for serving the parishioners of his churches, as well as the communities around them. The gospel he preached totally possessed his inner being. He sought out the unfortunate members of society. His winsome friendliness afforded him a ready entrance into people’s lives.

He also served as a chaplain in The Good Samaritan Center in Grand Forks. His visits there are fondly remembered by the many patients he befriended.

He loved to sing, and he loved to be with his children and grandchildren.

Following the last church service in his life, he checked himself in at the local hospital. There he passed away in peace, surrounded by his family and friends.

Versluys is survived by his wife, Connie, and children Lisa, Bill (Jill), Kristin, Erica, Michael, and Peter; and eleven grandchildren.