Adventurous and service-oriented, Art Schoonveld always looked out for others and stood up for what he believed. Described as a bit mischievous, his love for a good laugh was never lost, even up to his last moments with his family. Art, 88, died Nov. 16.
Born in the Netherlands, Art was the youngest of 13 children. His early years were affected by the World War II German occupation that began when he was 4 and ended when he was 9. Shortly thereafter, his mother died. His brother, Piet, died in the war in Indonesia. Following high school, Art made the difficult decision at age 19 to leave and follow his older brother, Klaas, first to Canada and then to Michigan. He was called to serve in the U.S. Army and spent two years in Germany as a tank driver.
After the army, Art graduated from Calvin College (now University) and Seminary, was ordained in 1966, then served East Martin (Mich.) Christian Reformed Church; CrossPoint CRC, Chino, Calif, ; Orland Park (Ill.) CRC; Faith CRC, Holland, Mich.; and Ivanrest CRC in Grandville, Mich. He retired in 2001 but continued serving as an interim pastor.
Art was a frequent volunteer at the Gateway Mission, a Holland, Mich., agency serving those struggling with hunger, homelessness, poverty, addiction, and other challenges.
Art is survived by his wife, Anita, four children, and 11 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.