Ken Vanderwal will be remembered for his exuberant spirit, his love of adventure, and his sense of humor. “He spent his life serving others and sharing God’s love in Honduras, Costa Rica, and wherever God called him,” said a daughter at his funeral. Ken, 85, died June 8 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Born in Friesland, The Netherlands, Ken immigrated to Canada with his family in 1953, then moved to California in 1963. Following in the footsteps of his father and brothers, Ken became a mason and built a successful business.
In 1979, answering God’s call to ministry, Ken moved with his wife, Sally, to Grand Rapids where he subsequently graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary. After ordination in 1984 he served Blenheim (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church until 1992. The Vanderwals then sold their belongings, spent a year in Costa Rica studying Spanish, and moved to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, where they served as missionaries.
After retirement in 2007, Ken and Sally returned to Grand Rapids where they remained active in their church and community. Ken enjoyed golfing and reading.
Ken is survived by Sally, his wife of 61 years; three daughters and their spouses; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
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.