In Memoriam

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.

Rev. Dr. Paul H. Redhouse, who spearheaded the formation of Classis Red Mesa, died Sept. 5.

James Vanderlaan “served among gifted intellectuals and among those with limited gifts.” He died Aug. 18 at age 81.

For 32 years, Tim Palmer devoted his life to the people of Nigeria as a seminary professor and scholar. He died Aug. 20 at age 68.

A pastor who sought to emphasize Jesus’ command to love one another, Jim Mantel died Aug. 16.

Dwayne Thielke, pastor and longtime missionary in the Philippines, died July 27 following three months in the hospital for complications of heart bypass surgery. 

Energetic, humble and approachable, John Klomps lived life as an adventure. He pastored four congregations and served in leadership of two Christian organizations. He died June 12 at the age of 85.

Missionary, pastor and social worker with a heart for the Lord, Ryan Veeneman died on May 30. He was 65.

A veteran of World War II who pastored five Christian Reformed congregations and preached until his 90th birthday, Harry Arnold died June 16.

Bill Brouwers, who died June 14, had been pastor to three Christian Reformed congregations and loved to share the love of Jesus and salvation through Christ.

Ted Brouwer, who served Christian Reformed churches in Iowa, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, died May 12 from pancreatic cancer. 

Vic VanderMolen, “Pastor Vic” to three different Ontario Christian Reformed congregations throughout his ministry, died May 23 at the age of 70.

John Koopmans, a genuine, grateful and generous man who ministered as a pastor and chaplain in many different settings, died May 11.

Fred VanDyk, a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church who worked at various times in the United States, Canada and Nigeria, died May 7. He was 85.

Bud Ipema leaves a 60-year legacy of urban ministry and the promotion of racial reconciliation and social justice. He died on April 14.

A pastor for 58 years, Barry Blankers was gentle, humble, godly, wise, and a genuine role model who tried to live what he preached.