As a missionary, Epke Vander Berg shared his gifts of faith, service, and leadership with many people around the world. “He always had time to chat and share stories. He brought light and cheer to everyone he met,” said a friend in tribute. Epke, 84, died Feb. 27.
Born in Friesland, the Netherlands, Epke, whose name was changed to Edward after immigrating, arrived with his family in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1949.
After graduating from Calvin College (now University) and studying at Michigan State University, Epke worked as a school social worker. Experiencing a call to ministry, he went on to study at Calvin Theological Seminary, graduated, and was ordained in 1973.
Together with their young son, the Vander Bergs served for the next 15 years on the mission field in the Philippines and Jordan with Christian Reformed World Missions (now part of Resonate Global Mission).
When the family returned from overseas, Epke remained active in various ministries in Grand Rapids. He served with Mission India, preached at Gold Avenue Christian Reformed Church and for the English service of Hahn In CRC, was an adjunct instructor at Davenport University, and volunteered in refugee resettlement. For 13 years until his death, Epke served as chaplain at The Village of Heather Hills retirement home.
Epke was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing religious and detective books. For a time, he even worked as a private investigator. He and his wife, Nita, were part of the charter group that organized Church of the Servant in 1973 (the congregation disaffiliated from the CRC in 2025).
Epke is survived by Nita, his wife of 63 years; their son, Steffen (and Ann); five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.