In Memoriam: Rev. Bernard A. Van Someren

Rev. Bernard A. Van Someren, a humble, sympathetic, approachable person and pastor, friend of the suffering and those on the fringes of society, peacemaker in church and society, and preacher of the Word, died in Holland, Mich.

Van Someren was born near Baldwin, Wis. From 1942 to 1945 he served in the military police of the U.S. Army and was stationed in Trinidad.

Van Someren was one of many World War II servicemen who sought the gospel ministry following their military discharge. He attended Calvin College and graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1952.

Van Someren and his wife, Gertrude, served the following Christian Reformed churches: Ada (Mich.) CRC, 1952; First CRC, Oostburg, Wis., 1955; Sully (Iowa) CRC, 1962; and Second (now Unity) CRC in Pateron, N.J., 1967.

They retired in 1985, and Van Someren subsequently served for 15 years as pastor of calling for Cottonwood CRC, Jenison, Mich.

Those who were privileged to benefit from Van Someren’s ministry remember him fondly. While he loved the church, his ministry reached beyond the local congregation. He cared deeply for those who were poor or lonely, immigrants, and refugees.

His faith was the lens through which he saw the world. His sermons and his unassuming way with people made the gospel intimate and personal to his parishioners, family, and friends.

Van Someren loved music, gardening, camping, and it was said that he could fix any mechanical problem.

Van Someren is survived by his wife, Gertrude; by their children, Randall and Marcia (Van Engen) Van Someren, Mary Van Someren Cok and David R. Cok, Ellen Van Someren Henderson, Janice and Glenn Meister; and by five grandchildren and their spouses.