Vern Guerkink 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.

A hard-working, disciplined teacher and preacher with a dry sense of humor, John Boonstra pastored five congregations and served another six communities as an interim pastor. He died June 20 at age 93.

Dave Weemhoff was a humble man with a ready smile and a caring and gentle spirit. He died May 2 at age 69.

Trained as both an engineer and a pastor, Scott DeVries had a calm demeanor and shared his strengths of patience and strategic thinking as a denominational leader.

Tony Schweitzer was a pastor who also served outside of the church in ministries offering spiritual care and belonging for people with disabilities. He died Feb. 25 at age 81.

A “faithful, honorable, and dependable man of God,” Dick Duifhuis died May 22, 2023. He was 86.

A kind and approachable pastor known for his passionate preaching and pastoral heart, Allan Jongsma died Feb. 2. He was 90.

A 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.

A pastor to fellow pastors, who was passionate about preaching, Archie Bazuin lived to 97 years. He died Jan. 12.

Described as compassionate, affectionate, and generous, Jerry Alferink was a pastor and chaplain who loved preaching. He died Dec. 29 at age 78.

A 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.

Pastor and missionary, Ken Van De Griend, was a passionate, humble man with a heart for missions. He died Nov. 22, at age 79.

Campus 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.

A 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.

A 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.

Remembered 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.

A 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.