Approachable, kind, joyful, and genuinely interested in other people, Allan Jongsma was known for his passionate preaching, pastoral heart, and skillful administration. In a tribute, one friend said, “He was the same person whether he was in the pulpit or in the office or if you met him on the street.” Allan is also remembered for being a strict catechism teacher, a flashy dresser, and long-winded in the pulpit. Allan, 90, died Feb. 2.
Born and raised in Whitinsville, Mass., Allan moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., to attend Calvin College (now University) and Seminary. After graduation and ordination in 1958, he served Vogel Center Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Mich; First Jenison (Mich.) CRC; Irving Park CRC in Midland Park, N.J.; Rogers Heights CRC in Wyoming, Mich.; Immanuel CRC in Wyoming, Mich.; First CRC in DeMotte, Ind; Heritage CRC in Kalamazoo, Mich.; and Bauer CRC in Hudsonville, Mich. Over the years, Allan served many times on the Synodical Interim Committee and filled various roles within classis. From early retirement until his late 70s, Allan served as pastor of visitation at Cottonwood Heights CRC in Jenison, Mich., then at Cutlerville East CRC in Cutlerville, Mich. He led Bible studies during volunteer week at the CRC Conference Grounds in Grand Haven, Mich., from 2007 to 2019.
Allan had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and tell jokes. He especially enjoyed card playing, camping, watching sports, traveling, and eating ice cream. He was devoted to his family, enjoyed attending events involving his grandchildren, and appreciated his many deep friendships.
He will be lovingly remembered by Joyce, his wife of 67 years; four children and their spouses; 13 grandchildren; and 8 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.
