A pastor and seminary administrator who served the Christian Reformed Church for more than 40 years, Bill Van Dyk is remembered as an excellent preacher and respected academic.
In Memoriam
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In Memoriam: Rev. James Jungkyu Park
1932-2025READ MOREDying at almost 93 years old, Rev. Jungkyu Park had lived a life of missionary service in Japan and to the Japanese diaspora.
In Memoriam: Rev. Cho, Chung Choo
1936-2025READ MOREA devoted servant of the Lord who ministered as long in retirement as in employed pastoral ministry, Rev. Cho’s unwavering passion for the gospel was an inspiration to many.
In Memoriam: Rev. Larry Dean Meyer
1945-2025READ MOREA pastor and Christian school teacher, Larry Meyer loved sharing the Word of God and spoke of God’s goodness right to the end. He died July 4 at age 80.
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One of the first women to enroll in Calvin Theological Seminary, Nola Galluch, had a long career as a Christian counselor. She died May 10 at age 76.
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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.
In Memoriam: Rev. Marjorie Beth Kooy
1949-2025READ MOREA chaplain who brought a sense of peace and comfort to patients and fellow chaplains alike, Marj Kooy died April 17. She was 75.
In Memoriam: Rev. Jerald D. Lion
1950-2025READ MOREJerry 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.
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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.
In Memoriam: Rev. Walter Swets
1935-2025READ MOREA 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.
In Memoriam: Rev. Gary Peter Hutt
1937-2025READ MOREA farm boy who God made into a pastor, Gary Hutt, served seven churches during his ministry. He died Feb. 22 at age 87.
In Memoriam: Rev. Paul O. Sausser
1959-2025READ MOREA 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.
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A powerful and transformational preacher, Bob Ritsema pastored six congregations and served one outreach ministry. He died Oct. 29, 2024, at age 80.
In Memoriam: Rev. Peter P. Kranenburg
1929-2025READ MOREA 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.
In Memoriam: Thomas Ray Dykstra
1955-2025READ MOREAs a pastor and chaplain, Tom Dykstra consistently demonstrated his faithfulness, dedication, and compassion for others. He died Jan. 3, at age 69.
In Memoriam: Rev. Henry Eshuis
1934-2024READ MOREPastor Henry Eshuis, compassionate, thoughtful, and caring to all he encountered, died Dec. 2, 2024. He was 90.
In Memoriam: Rev. William (Bill) Dykstra
1939-2024READ MOREAt 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
In Memoriam: Rev. Arthur Schoonveld
1936-2024READ MOREAdventurous 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.
In Memoriam: Rev. Louis M. Tamminga
1930 -2024READ MORE“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.
In Memoriam: Rev. Sidney Cooper
1930-2024READ MOREA 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.
In Memoriam: Rev. Jacob Peter Heerema
1937-2024READ MOREA 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.
In Memoriam: Rev. Norman Edmund Jones
1931-2024READ MOREA member, in his retirement, of Aylmer (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church, Norman Jones was described at his funeral as “beloved pastor to the entire town.”
In Memoriam: Rev. Anthony (Tony) Begay
1938-2024READ MOREPastor, 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.
In Memoriam: Rev. Vernon F. Geurkink
1936-2024READ MOREVern 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.