Rev. Leonard Bossenbroek, 92, a man who “walked the talk,” was solid in his faith, a gifted teacher of the Word, and a fine musician. He died from causes associated with old age. His wife, Sarella, preceded him in death a month earlier.
Bossenbroek was born on a small farm near Waupun, Wisc., the youngest and only boy in a family of five. During World War II he worked on the family dairy farm. But the desire to serve his Savior in the gospel ministry remained strong, and in 1945 he followed his older sisters to Grand Rapids, Mich., as a student at Calvin College.
He graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in l952 and began ministry in Harrison, S.D. Subsequently he served Ocheydan (Iowa) CRC, Moline (Mich.) CRC, and Faith Community CRC in Wyoming, Mich. He retired in 1984.
Bossenbroek consistently gave his best in the ministry. A deeply pious man, he made sure that what he preached from the pulpit he modeled for his family and congregation. Though conscientious in his preaching, his strength lay in the teaching ministry. Leading Bible studies and teaching catechism classes were close to his heart.
He was a faithful visitor of the sick and elderly and a promoter of Christian education and missions. An accomplished violinist, he loved classical music. He and Sarella shared a keen interest in their families’ ancestors, whom they traced back to the early 1800s.
The Bossenbroeks are survived by their children Carl and Nancy Bossenbroek, James and Carla Bossenbroek, Steve and Elaine Bossenbroek, and Lorin and Debra Bossenbroek; 18 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
About the Author
The late Louis Tamminga (d. Nov. 11, 2024), a long-time pastor, leader, and administrator in the Christian Reformed Church, wrote the pastors' In Memoriam column for The Banner until 2015.
