Bill Huyser, who died Jan. 4 at age 97, faithfully served in the ministry of the Christian Reformed Church for almost 70 years.
Born in Pella, Iowa, Huyser grew up on a farm where field work was done with horses and mules. He learned early how to work hard and loved having his schedule filled with tasks to be completed.
A graduate of Calvin College (now University) and Seminary, Huyser was ordained in 1953 and pastored Prosper CRC in Falmouth, Mich.; Crossroads CRC in Madison, Wisc.; and Westwood CRC in Kalamazoo, Mich.; then was campus pastor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo for 10 years. He mentored and befriended many students, keeping contact with them into the last years of his life. Huyser then pastored Knollwood CRC in Kalamazoo and Bethel CRC in Lansing, Ill., before retiring in 1991.
In retirement Huyser served for several years at Fellowship CRC in Grandville, Mich. He then became visitation pastor at Roosevelt Park CRC for over 10 years, until he was 91. “Bill provided a warm and winsome approach that people loved,” said Roosevelt’s former pastor, Reggie Smith. “Along with wife, Alvina, they saw the image of God in all people, stood with them in their struggles, and prayed for God's grace to usher them home to be with the Savior. … He had a deep laugh that was contagious. I miss him.”
Huyser was an early morning walker, enjoyed golf with friends and family members, and played volleyball for many years with fellow pastors.
He will be lovingly remembered by Alvina, his wife of 72 years; five sons and their spouses; nine grandchildren; and 15 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.
