With over 40 years of pastoring and serving different communities as chaplain, Jerry DeVries, a gentle and humble pastor, died May 30. He was 85.

A chaplain who brought a sense of peace and comfort to patients and fellow chaplains alike, Marj Kooy died April 17. She was 75.

Jerry Lion lived out his call to ministry quietly, reflecting a caring gentleness in all he did. He died April 1 from complications after a fall in January. He was 74.

Leonard Hofman, who served as general secretary of the Christian Reformed Church in North America from 1990 to 1994, died April 11 at age 97.

A source of joy to those around him, Wally Swets trusted fully in his heavenly Father and believed that every minute was a gift from God. He died March 27 at age 90.

A farm boy who God made into a pastor, Gary Hutt, served seven churches during his ministry. He died Feb. 22 at age 87.

A humble man who modeled Christ’s compassionate servant’s heart, Pastor Paul Sausser died Jan. 8 after five years of living with cancer. He was 65.

A powerful and transformational preacher, Bob Ritsema pastored six congregations and served one outreach ministry. He died Oct. 29, 2024, at age 80.

A pastor and chaplain who nurtured many interests, Peter Kranenburg's life was defined by the power and grace of Jesus Christ. He died Jan. 7 at age 95.

As a pastor and chaplain, Tom Dykstra consistently demonstrated his faithfulness, dedication, and compassion for others. He died Jan. 3, at age 69.

Pastor Henry Eshuis, compassionate, thoughtful, and caring to all he encountered, died Dec. 2, 2024. He was 90.

At the recent celebration of life service for Bill Dykstra, a friend described the big smile Bill always had when he told the story of how God led him

Adventurous and service-oriented, Art Schoonveld was a pastor who looked out for others and stood up for what he believed. He died Nov. 16 at age 88.

“Through and through a pastor,” Rev. Louis Tamminga died Nov. 11 at age 94. He had served the denomination in pastor-church relations, as a longtime Banner contributor, and a pastor to missionaries.

A wise and confident leader who modeled for others his deep love for the Lord and for his people, Sid Cooper died Nov. 13 at age 94.

A pastor, chaplain and past Chaplaincy director who “would go out of his way to connect with people that most of us would overlook,” Jake Heerema died Oct. 11 at age 87.

A member, in his retirement, of Aylmer (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church, Norman Jones was described at his funeral as “beloved pastor to the entire town.”

Pastor, chaplain, and Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Anthony Begay was known for his deep faith and kind and generous spirit. He died Sept. 5 at age 86.

Vern Geurkink was an academic who sought to be a person of integrity. He had a lifelong commitment to justice and mercy. Vern, 88, died Aug. 2.

As a pastor, church planter, and home missionary, Don Griffioen spent his ministry career bringing churches together, focusing on similarities rather than differences. He died May 26 at age 92.

A pastor who saw his calling as being “a Storyteller with a capital ‘S,’” Herm Van Niejenhuis loved to help others explore the wonder and truth of the Christian faith. He died July 24 at age 75.

From “Dominee Vanden Ende” to “Pastor Tony,” Anthonie Vanden Ende’s pastoral ministry spanned 43 years, two countries, and three Canadian provinces.

A pastor, missionary, and theology teacher, Arnold Rumph seemed ready at the end of his life to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” He died June 19 at age 94.