IN MEMORIAM: Rev. John Medendorp

Rev. John Calvin Medendorp, 86, one of four generations of John Medendorps in Christian Reformed ministry, was a gifted preacher, teacher, counselor, and pastor. He passed away on February 23 from complications of pneumonia.

Medendorp was born in Dutton, Mich., where his father was the CRC minister. As a child he moved to Racine, Wisc., where he received his schooling.

He entered Calvin College in l944, majoring in Greek, and graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in l951.

Medendorp served five Christian Reformed congregations: West Des Moines (Iowa) CRC; Overisel (Mich.) CRC; Second CRC, Fremont, Mich.; South Grandville CRC, Grandville, Mich.; and Princeton CRC, Kentwood, Mich. He retired in l991 but remained active in ministry for several more years at Calvin CRC in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Bradenton (Fla.) CRC.

Medendorp was well-known and well-loved. He was deeply committed to the Reformed faith and loved the Christian Reformed denomination. Though sermon preparation and pastoral calling were his priority, he found time to read, study, and keep up with the current events. He was a frequent delegate to synod and served the boards of both Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary as a member and as president.

Medendorp was deeply devoted to his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Christine, in 2009, and by two daughters, Christie Lynn and Joni Sue.

Medendorp is survived by his children Heidi and Ron Hofman and John and Susan Medendorp, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.