In Memoriam

A pastor and professor committed to a Kingdom-focused world-and-life view that proclaims the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every sphere of life, John Vander Stelt died Sept. 19.

John Tong co-founded the Chinese Christian Reformed Church in Monterey Park, Calif., and served there for 25 years. Known for his love and care for the lonely, forsaken, and outcast, Tong died June 20.

A Christian Reformed pastor for 36 years, Henry Dykema, known as a good storyteller, died July 12.

Neal Rylaarsdam, an approachable pastor who loved blessing others, died June 4.

Berny Niemeyer, a church planter and pastor who lived for more than a decade with Alzheimer’s Disease, died May 20.

Jim Versluys, who served for 33 years as pastor to several Christian Reformed congregations, died May 15.

A gentle, wise servant of God, Bill DeJong died May 30 at age 90.

Dick Los, known as a compassionate man with a pastoral heart, died May 13, in his 97th year.

Pastor Rog Kok, 82, died May 12 after 31 years of serving Christian Reformed congregations in the United States.

Visionary pastor and mentor Rev. Yong Kyu Shin, who devoted his life to preaching, teaching, and mission-focused life, died March 12. He was 78.

Pastor, professor, writer, translator, editor and Holy Land tour guide, Sierd Woudstra died March 22. He was 92.

Rev. Myung Jae Lee, a pastor who devoted his life to studying, teaching and expanding God’s kingdom, died March 12. He was 99.

Jacob Uitvlugt, who served Christian Reformed churches in the U.S. and Canada, died March 4. He was 91.

Robert Jipping, pastor, missionary and teacher, died Feb. 10 at the age of 82.

“Rodg” Buining loved the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind. He served churches in six states. He died Nov. 26 at the age of 88.

Pastor and historian Gerrit (Gary) Bieze died Dec. 15, after a brief struggle with cancer. He was 83.

Peter Sluys lived a joyful life serving his Lord and Saviour. He died Nov. 8 in Edmonton, Alta., at the age of 92.

Pastor, theologian and professor, Paul Szto, died Oct. 22 in New York City. He was 95.

Bill Renkema, missionary, church planter and pastor, died Oct. 28. He had an unwavering faith and said of what he wished he could still do, “I’d tell more people about Jesus.” 

Jacob Kuntz, who had a pastoral heart for people on the edge, served many Christian Reformed congregations in Ontario. He died Nov. 3 at 93.

Gordon Van Enk, who served in parish ministry for 25 years and as a hospice chaplain for 24 years, died Oct. 12. 

A beloved chaplain, Russ Van Antwerpen was a humble man who dedicated his life to serving God and God’s people. He died on Oct. 3.

Paul Brink, a gentle soul who loved the church and loved God’s word, died on Sept. 17 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.