In Memoriam: Rev. George Robert Mossel

George Mossel was intense, strong willed, and had a great sense of humor. He thought deeply about theology, was focused on ministry, passionate about outreach, and had a gift for communicating the gospel message of salvation in a clear, articulate, and effective way. George, 78, died August 21. 

Raised in South Holland, Ill., George had many jobs prior to experiencing God’s call to ministry, including factory worker, teacher, salesman, stockbroker, milkman, and dairy farmer. After graduating from Calvin College (now University) and Calvin Theological Seminary, George was ordained in 1980. He served Newman Chapel Christian Reformed Church in Hesperia, Mich., and then Hillside CRC in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he served 25 years until retiring in 2011. The Hillside church grew significantly under his leadership.

George spent the last 12 years of his life traveling and enjoying time with family and friends. He carried his passion and intensity into his many hobbies. A love for fishing led him to take up fly fishing. Fly fishing requires flies, so he became an avid fly tier and began making bamboo fly rods. A fly rod needs a handle, so he bought a lathe and began turning wood to make handles. He loved to eat and share meals with family and friends so he developed hobbies such as bread making, smoking meat, and brewing beer and cider.

George is survived by Eunice, his wife of 58 years, three sons and their spouses, and nine grandchildren.