Peter William Brouwer loved his Lord deeply and and sowed the Word faithfully and fervently. Preaching, sharing the gospel, and enriching spiritual lives were a great joy to him. Brouwer struggled with Parkinson’s disease for many years. When his preaching voice was taken by Parkinson’s, he grieved deeply over the loss. Brouwer died on June 13 at age 86. His grandson, Rev. Matt McClure, officiated at his funeral service in Minneapolis, Minn.
Brouwer graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1953. He served three Christian Reformed congregations: Momence (Ill.) CRC; First CRC in Chino, Calif.; and First CRC in Edgerton, Minn. He retired in 1994 at age 65.
Brouwer was an ordinary man whom God used to do great things in his kingdom. He was a patient, loving, and understanding counselor to many. He served the Christian Reformed Church at both the local and denominational level. He greatly enjoyed the many times he attended synod as a delegate or as an officer. He also served on various classical committees and boards.
Brouwer will be remembered by his children “for always taking time out of his busy church schedule to be with his family. He loved to travel and we have many precious memories of our crazy camping trips and the many amazing vacation spots we visited. Another great joy came from playing any and every kind of game together. He and Mom showed us that fun is also a gift from God and something to be grateful for.”
Brouwer is survived by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis Kuipers; by four children and their spouses: Sue McClure (Cleon), Deb Buiter (Ed), Peter Brouwer, Jr., and Sharon Brouwer; and by 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.
