A “faithful, honorable, and dependable man of God,” Dick Duifhuis died May 22, 2023. He was 86.
In Memoriam
In Memoriam: Rev. Allan Henry Jongsma
1933-2024A kind and approachable pastor known for his passionate preaching and pastoral heart, Allan Jongsma died Feb. 2. He was 90.
In Memoriam: Rev. Lugene (Archie) Bazuin
1926-2024A pastor to fellow pastors, who was passionate about preaching, Archie Bazuin lived to 97 years. He died Jan. 12.
In Memoriam: Rev. H. David Schuringa
1952-2023A pastor, seminary professor, and leader of prison ministry, David Schuringa, had a commitment to the Christian Reformed confessions and an impact beyond the denomination. He died Sept. 14, 2023, at age 70.
In Memoriam: Rev. Jerry L. Alferink
1945-2023Described as compassionate, affectionate, and generous, Jerry Alferink was a pastor and chaplain who loved preaching. He died Dec. 29 at age 78.
In Memoriam: Rev. John Pasma
1950-2023A steady, compassionate man who was a highschool teacher before he was a pastor, John Pasma lived his final years with Parkinson’s disease and esophageal cancer. He died Nov. 22 at age 73.
In Memoriam: Rev. Kenneth Van De Griend
1944-2023Pastor and missionary, Ken Van De Griend, was a passionate, humble man with a heart for missions. He died Nov. 22, at age 79.
In Memoriam: Rev. Dale W. Vander Veen
1943-2023Campus pastor, preacher, pianist, organist and writer, Dale Vander Veen died Oct. 25. He was 80.
Former executive secretary of the Council of Christian Reformed Churches in Canada, who also served for 20 years in parish ministry, Rev. Arie Van Eek died Nov. 7. He was 91.
In Memoriam: Rev. John Gerrit Groen
1930-2023A caring pastor and passionate evangelist, the ministry of John Groen, as one friend described, “centered around the truth that we are ‘dead to sin’ and ‘alive to God in Jesus Christ.’” He died Oct. 3, at age 93.
A minister, a U.S. Army National Guard chaplain, and first director of the Christian Reformed Church’s Committee on Disability Concerns, Ted Verseput died Sept. 19. He was 96.
In Memoriam: Rev. Frederick F. Heslinga
1946-2023A modest, humble man with a great sense of humor, Fred Heslinga pastored six churches and was an active pastor of visitation until he died Sept. 26. He was 77.
In Memoriam: Rev. Ezra Shui Cheung Ng
1937-2022Remembered as a caring, diligent shepherd who related to everyone with the heart of a father, teacher and friend, Rev. Ezra Ng died Nov. 1, 2022, just short of his 85th birthday.
In Memoriam: Rev. Jack James Matheis
1924-2023A pastor with a kind and gentle spirit who affirmed God's faithfulness and grace into the final days of his 99 years, Jack Matheis died Sept. 6.
In Memoriam: Rev. George Robert Mossel
1945-2023A pastor with a great sense of humor who thought deeply about theology and loved communicating the gospel message, George Mossel died Aug. 21. He was 78.
In Memoriam: Rev. Ronald R. Sprik
1939-2023A pastor who put God first and was unabashed about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, Ron Sprik died July 21. He was 84.
In Memoriam: Rev. Bernard Dykstra
1942-2023A quiet man who loved the Lord and his family, Berny Dykstra died May 17. He was 80 years old.
In Memoriam: Rev. Jerome Burton
1957-2023A humble, passionate, streetwise pastor dedicated to his community congregation, local school, and the Belknap neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Mich., Jerome Burton died July 6. He was 66.
In Memoriam: Rev. E. Robert Tigchelaar
1942-2023A hard-working and faithful minister of the gospel, Bob Tigchelaar loved each congregation and community to which he was called. He died June 25 at age 81.
In Memoriam: Rev. John Rop
1950-2023As one who faced challenges with resoluteness, humor, and a reliance on Jesus, John Rop was described as a “heart” preacher who understood brokenness. He died July 2 at age 72.
A pastor and professor with a gentle demeanor and respect for others as God’s image bearers, Phil Holtrop was a trusted confidant and mentor to many. He died June 12, aged 89.
In Memoriam: Rev. Harvey Arnold Brink
1945-2023A pastor “passionate about welcoming everyone and their stories into the family of God,” Harvey Brink died May 26. He was 78.
In Memoriam: Rev. H. Michael Lapian
1962-2023An active pastor of the Indonesian Christian Reformed Fellowship in Dover, N.H., Michael Lapian died June 25. He was 61.
In Memoriam: Rev. Henry (Henk) Numan
1941-2023A kind-hearted pastor who lived by a motto “to be Christlike with a servant heart,” Henry Numan died April 6. He was 81.