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

“You are loved” was the message that echoed again and again throughout Markus Lise’s life of ministry.  As a pastor, he is remembered for challenging and inspiring congregations to think “outside the box.”

Marinus Harberts, who had ministered for 35 years with the Navajo people in New Mexico, died on March 19.

A hospital chaplain described as thoughtful and a man without pretense, Steven Van Heest passed away on March 10. He was 66.

Allen Bultman was a humble, hardworking, and compassionate pastor who served Christian Reformed congregations since 1959. He passed away on March 8 at the age of 89.

World War II veteran, military policeman, minister, chaplain, pastoral counselor, and missionary Ben Ypma lived a full and joyful life. He died on March 7, a month after his hundredth birthday.

Ordained in 1954 and with a nearly 40-year career with the Christian Reformed Church, Earl Dykema passed away on March 1. He was 90 years old. 

Roger Van Harn, an ordained pastor of the Christian Reformed Church for 42 years, died on Feb. 9. He was 86.

Jerry Frens, who was still active as a part-time chaplain, died unexpectedly and tragically on Feb. 15, after being struck by a vehicle near his home. He was 75.

A “pastor's pastor,” who displayed faithfulness and trust in God, Chris Schroeder died on January 19, six years following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.

Andrew Bandstra, professor emeritus of New Testament theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, loving and dedicated family man, and committed friend, died on Feb. 8 at the age of 92.

After serving as a pastor for 40 years in Christian Reformed churches in four states and enjoying retirement in Spokane Valley, Wash., Herman Leestma passed away on January 17. He was 93.

John Primus was remembered as a scholar, a dedicated teacher, and one who modeled Jesus Christ in humility and kindness. He died on November 5 at age 86. 

John Cooper, 94, was a Christian Reformed pastor with an unwavering faith in God’s love. He died on October 16.

Mechanic, pastor, and poet Walt DeRuiter lived his life according to Micah 6:8.

Steadfastly committed to his lifelong calling of preaching, prayer, and pastoral care, Ken Koeman died peacefully on August 8, after a brief illness. He was 75.

Bill Kooienga, a warm, kind, gentle, thoughtful, joy-filled man of God, and a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church for 38 years, passed away peacefully on July 12. He was 82.

Ralph Bronkema, church planter, chaplain, pastor, passed away on July 30. He was 88.

Bert Den Herder, having ministered in Christian Reformed churches from 1955 to 1989, died on June 30 at the age of 94.

Ralph Baker, who served with Christian Reformed World Missions among the Tiv people in Nigeria for 35 years, died on June 29 at the age of 94.

As a chaplain, Bob Brummel was a listener, a comforter, and a guide to those who were suffering. He died in Grand Rapids on May 9.

Peter Borgdorff loved the Lord, his family, the Christian Reformed Church, and the church worldwide. He died May 21 at age 78.

Kraker was a big man with a big laugh, a wonderful sense of humor, and a love for adventure. He died April 9.