Harvey Stob was a deep thinker with an insatiable appetite for books, languages, and learning. He had a heart for the poor, the homeless, immigrants, widows, and those struggling with mental illness. “Dad simply offered kindness to all out of his love and gratitude for Jesus,” said one of his children. Stob died Sept. 25 after a brief illness.
“When I think of my dying,” Stob said in response to his diagnosis, “I can honestly say that I look forward to seeing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to witnessing their love for each other, and to being personally drawn into that love. There is where life truly flourishes."
A graduate of Calvin College (now University) and Seminary, Stob was ordained in 1972, then served as a missionary in Argentina for 11 years. He loved the people he ministered to there. A common hobby in the area at the time, Stob bred and kept canaries and finches, enjoying them for their beauty and song. He also became a big soccer fan.
Returning to the U.S. in 1983, Stob pastored Cincinnati (Ohio) Christian Reformed Church, then Ridgewood (N.J.) CRC, and Ann Arbor (Mich.) CRC.
After retirement in 2009, the Stobs enjoyed traveling. He also had more time to train for RAGBRAI, an annual group bicycle ride across Iowa that he participated in many times. He enjoyed spending time with grandchildren.
Stob is survived by Audrey, his wife of 51 years; three children and spouses; and eight 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.
