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TERPSTRA - Charles Terpstra died at his home, Wednesday, December 8, 2004 surrounded by his beloved wife, Jean, and his children. He was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1924 and graduated from Chicago Christian High School in 1941. He served in the Army during World War II. He married Jean Kamp, June 11, 1948 and attended Calvin College and Seminary, graduating in 1953. He served the following congregations: Brooten CRC in Minnesota, 1953-1958; Fourth Paterson CRC in New Jersey, 1958-1965; Second Roseland CRC in Chicago, IL, 1965-1970; First CRC in Grand Rapids, MI, 1970-1982; South Bend CRC in Indiana, 1982-1990. He retired in 1990 and served part time at West End CRC in Grand Rapids, MI from 1990-2000. We celebrate your life and honor you as our STANDING STONE using the words written by son, Bob for dad's 80th birthday. You have participated in profound acts of God. You have been a constant reminder of God's faithfulness. As a man of God, your work in this world has borne witness to the transforming work of God's love in your life. You will forever be an inspiration to our generation and those yet to come as we share your story, your life, and your love. You are our STANDING STONE. We love you! Bud and Judi Terpstra, Lisa and Rich, Matthew, Nathaniel, Mike and Annette, Britney, Jordan, Charles and Amanda, Rachel; Ruth Posthumus, Marc, Lee; John and Beverly Terpstra, Chad and Rachel, Madison, Corbin, Jon and Dawn, Tjalling, Tena and Troy; Mary and Peter Cagle, William, Ford; Kenneth Terpstra, Anne, Laina; Sara and Don Buchholz, Dominique and Craig, Chris; Bob and Marj Terpstra, Janelle, Charles, Anthony and Ahna. He is also survived by his two sisters, Dorothy Bakker and Henrietta and Arlyn VandenBrink. Funeral Services will be held Monday 1:00 p.m. at First Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Peter Borgdorff and Rev. William DeVries officiating. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel to greet friends and relatives Sunday 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to ICCF, or to Home Repair Services of Kent County (1100 S. Division, Grand Rapids, MI 49507). Zaagman Memorial Chapel 2800 Burton St. SE
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Our prayers and thought are with you all. Mr. Terpstra was a awesome man. We're glad to have known him. Love to you all.
Rich, Julie, Jacob& Jesse Prather
December 12, 2004
Dear Terpstra Family,
So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing but remember fondly the great times we had in Roseland and in the years that followed. I made profession of faith with him as my pastor so he will always carry special memories for me.
Dave Geerdes and Family
Dave Geerdes
December 12, 2004
Dear Jean and family,
We want to express our heartfelt sympathy to you. Though I knew it was coming it is very sad for me. I have always regarded Chuck as my pastor because I never knew anyone who lived his faith as he did during those painful days in Roseland and in years to follow as we maintained our friendship. He taught me how to love when people were hateful, and kept me on course. His life was a blessing to me and many others. God bless you as you learn to live with his absence. George & Linda Lubben
george lubben
December 12, 2004
Aunt Jean and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you close the book on the life of Uncle Chuck. But may you always remember that he is not gone forever, we will one day see him again just as he has taught so many through the years of ministry of the saving love of Jesus Christ so to he is now enjoying that eternal blessing. We love you all!
Harold & Carol Miller and family
December 11, 2004
Mrs. Terpstra and Family,
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss. I am very good friends with Roberts son Chuck and I hope God gives all of you the strength to continue through this most difficult time. I will keep all of you in my prayers and may God bless you all.
Sincerely, Jon-Paul Vicari
Jon-Paul Vicari
December 11, 2004
I remember Rev Terpstra as my pastor, a friend of my parents, and a wise and quiet man. I loved the twinkle in his eye that went with his gentle smile. He has touched many lives in his years of ministry! Remembering you all in the days and weeks ahead!
Trish Borgdorff
December 10, 2004
Aunt Jean and family, we extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all.
Chad and Sue Uittenbogaard and girls
December 10, 2004
Dear Jean, our sincere condolences to you and your family in the death of your dear Husband. We remember the time you spent with us some years ago here in Calgary.It was special.
May God give you His peace and grace at this time.
Sincerely, Kees & Ruth Krabbe
Kees & Ruth Krabbe
December 10, 2004
To Mary, Peter, Will and Ford and their family, our thoughts are very much with you at this time.
Lisa, Bob and Isabelle Lehner
Lisa Lehner
December 10, 2004
Chuck was my pastor at South Bend CRC during my graduate studies at Notre Dame. He and Jean became very dear to me in those few years in the mid-1980s. After I defended my dissertation, they hosted a celebrative gathering for me at their home, which obviously went far beyond the call of pastoral duties. They were and are truly special people. God has blessed very many through them.
To Jean and the extended family I wish God's comfort during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
David, Nancy and Theresa Koyzis
David Koyzis
December 10, 2004
Dear Jean and family,
I want to express my heartfelt sympathy and love to you. I loved Chuck and God used him to "restore my soul" when I came to GR as a wounded, angry, scared 29 year old. Through Chuck I learned so much about God's love and grace. The Old Testament took on new meaning and salvation history became real. I must admit I also learned some great words like "pericope," and that it was fine to begin a sermon by saying, "the title of my sermon is.... (followed by a 7-10 word title.) What a blessing to have been able to share in some of your family life and to witness the strong love you all have for each other. Jean, you were such a blessing to Chuck and you are such a blessing to your family and to all of us who join you in grief. May God surround all of you with His love and comfort. May you really know that your husband and father and our friend is alive and well!
Love,
Joy
Joy Anema
December 10, 2004
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