Case Admiraal, 66, known for his ready smile and love for his congregants, always remembering the names of young and old, died of a heart attack on September 20 while doing his daily exercises.
Admiraal was born in Maassluis, the Netherlands. The family immigrated to the United States in 1956 and settled in Palmyra, N.Y. He attended East Palmyra Christian School, Newark High School, and Calvin College. In 1973 he graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary.
After one year as a school teacher, Admiraal served the following Christian Reformed congregations as pastor: Bethel CRC, Fulton, Ill.; Immanuel CRC, Ripon, Calif.; and Second CRC, Fremont, Mich.
Admiraal was a preacher of grace. His carefully crafted sermons were enhanced by fine illustrations. The congregation was his family. Visitors in the worship service were made to feel at home. Many of his colleagues turned to him for advice and affirmation. He will be remembered most for his childlike godliness and thoughtfulness.
Admiraal was an avid reader and student, a fine singer and storyteller. He had a lifelong interest in sports and loved gardening and camping with his family. As with so many pastor-couples, the Admiraals were in the ministry together.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, and their children Jeff and Nancy Admiraal, Matt and Mary Admiraal, Sheri Admiraal, Rachel and Tom Marsman, Ryan Admiraal, and Sara Admiraal, and by 11 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.
