Pastor Rog Kok, 82, died May 12 after 31 years of serving Christian Reformed congregations in the U.S. In every place he served, Kok cared deeply about the people inside and outside the walls of the church. He is remembered for innovative worship services and insightful and inspirational sermons delivered in his loud, booming voice. Kok loved to sing and had a strong singing voice. He also liked to tease, to have fun, and to laugh a lot.
Ordained in 1969, Kok pastored the following churches: Palo Alto (Calif.) CRC; Pease (Minn.) CRC; Rogers Heights CRC, Wyoming, Mich.; Holland Heights CRC, Holland, Mich.; and Shawnee Park CRC, Grand Rapids, Mich. After retirement in 2000, the Koks spent their winters in Arizona.
Kok’s favorite hobby was golf, and he got teased often about his very unique golf swing. Every year he went to Myrtle Beach with three friends where they played 36 holes a day for a week. He loved golf for the sport but also for the fellowship of the people he played with. During his time at Pease CRC, he played fast-pitch softball and was an excellent player.
“Dad was a really fun grandpa,” said one of his children, “because he didn’t sit on the sidelines watching the grandkids have fun, he joined right in with them.”
Kok is survived by Joyce, his wife of 62 years; four daughters and spouses; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by grandson Curtis.
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.
