Rev. Roger E. Van Harn

1932 - 2019

Rev.  Roger E. Van Harn obituary, 1932-2019, Grand Rapids, MI

FUNERAL HOME

Zaagman Memorial Chapel Inc

2800 Burton St Se

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Roger Van Harn Obituary

Van Harn, Rev. Roger E. Rev. Roger Earl Van Harn, of Grand Rapids and Jenison, Michigan, born in 1932, in Grand Rapids to the late Edna (Riemersma) and Henry Van Harn, passed away at age 86 on February 9, 2019, in Grand Rapids. He graduated from Calvin College with a BA in 1954, Calvin Seminary with a BD in 1957, and Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Columbus, OH) with a DMin in 1976. He began his life of ministry at Cottage Grove Christian Reformed Church (CRC), South Holland, IL (1957-1961). His next call was to Grace CRC, Indian Harbour Beach, FL (1961-1966), followed by Olentangy CRC, Columbus, OH (1966-1970). He next served as campus minister at the United Christian Center of The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (1971-1976). He retired from ministry after serving as pastor of Grace CRC, Grand Rapids, MI for 22 years (1977-1998). Post retirement, he worked for many years at William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. as project editor of a lectionary commentary series, among other book projects. Although he authored nine books, numerous journal articles, and many book reviews, he counted his sermon file his most important written work. To quote his own recently completed bibliography: "My sermon file includes the sermons I have prepared and preached in 42 years of ordained ministry from 1957 to 1998. The count says that I have preached 3,000 times, plus or minus 100 for errors. In spite of the changes in the church and world, and noting the variety of situations in the five church vocations I have served, I testify that the Good News is still what God has said and done for us in the history of Israel and the Person of Jesus Christ." Roger was the beloved husband of Ellie (Eleanor Hamstra) of Clifton, NJ. He was preceded in death by his son, Philip (Lisa Van Harn-(Fred) Vail) and brother, Gordon (Mary). Roger is survived by his daughter, Karen (Bradley) Exoo of Blackstone, MA; sons, Karl (Joanna Bailey) of Grand Rapids, Paul (Lorna Spiekerman) of Grand Rapids, Roger (Tracy Mashore) of Cincinnati, OH, and Thomas (Marianne Leach) of Mt Prospect, IL; sister, Donna Albrecht of Hudsonville, MI; grandchildren, Dean (Michelle) Exoo, Carla (Josh) Van Eck, Joseph, Miriam, Elizabeth, Haven, Kon, Kevin (Allison), Bryan (Jodi), Kelli, Timothy (Erica), Michael, and Kaylin; and eight great-grandchildren. In lieu of a memorial donation, please send a handwritten/printed memory of Roger, his family, or his ministry to Ellie, c/o Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546). The funeral service will take place on Friday, February 15 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church (Calvin College Chapel), 1835 Knollcrest Circle SE, GR 49546. Friends and family can pay their respects at the visitation on Thursday, February 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 100 Buckley St SE, Grand Rapids; as well as at the Calvin College Chapel on Friday, one hour prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Funeral arrangements by Zaagman Memorial Chapel Inc., (616) 940-3022.

Published by Grand Rapids Press from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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Our Condolescents

A favorite pastor of ours even if it has been many years. Pray your family is doing well.

Ron & Betty Vander Kooi

February 20, 2019

Diane Wright

February 20, 2019

I like to share a story that still makes me smile when I think about it. I was 19 years old, still living at home with my parents but thinking I'm the boss of me! Right. WRONG! So one day I got beside myself and I don't remember the details but I sassed my mom. Big mistake! I thought to myself, you done did it now and mom is going to show you the door, foolish little girl you're going to need backup! Well, she wouldn't have but I knew something had to be done. Feeling a tinge of panic, I called the church and spoke to Pastor Vanharn. I don't know what he was doing but I am sure it was more important than my homemade drama. So while mom was at work Pastor Vanharn came over. We talked and sat on the front porch. As I looked down the street and saw my mother approaching I was nervous because she had no idea what to think and she was no fan of surprises. She greeted Pastor and said she'd be out shortly after getting a glass of water. When she returned to the porch, I attempted to start a discussion on why I called him but thankfully Pastor Vanharn skillfully redirected the conversation. As the two of them talked parent-to-parent I quietly listened. What I learned while listening was that he was there to provide back up for my mom. Not me! Praise the Lord it all got smoothed over and I apologize to my mom who had already forgiven me before the call was made. As the three of us sat and ate coffee cake I was thinking, Pastor Vanharn you ROCK! To Ellie and the rest of the family, I mourn with you. Pastor VanHarn was and is a part of my community. Lord knows I miss my mother, (Mary McKinney) so I know you are hurting. But we grieve with hope as we will see them again! We know that our loved ones are free and we know that our Comforter is ever present! Thank you Vanharn family for sharing him with all of us! His legacy will live on in all that love him!

Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Lisa McKinney

February 15, 2019

Ellie Van Harn and family:
Please accept my sincere condolences. I am saddened!
Pastor Van Harn was my confident when Luella, my first wife died shortly after giving birth to Leslie in South Holland, Ill. It may have been his first funeral at Cottage Grove CRC.
His sermons were inspiring and thought provoking. He seemed to accept these challenges with grace and determination. I will never forget his support and caring during my grieffilled days.
I am certain that now his joy is complete in the arms of Jesus.
We spend our winters in Texas so I'll not be able to attend the Memorial Service.
I mourn with y'all , but am sure of His victory in Jesus.

Frank & Ula Calsbeek

February 14, 2019

Roger baptized me at Cottage Grove CRC in South Holland, and then my daughter at Grace CRC in Grand Rapids. His messages have had an impact on both of our lives as well as my parents feeding 3 generations with the message of love promised by our Lord, and the examples and teachings provided by his son, all taught in a way that helped guide all of our lives. We'll miss both the wonderful pastor and also the kindhearted man. A life well lived through example.

Keith Evenhouse

February 14, 2019

Rev. Van Harn has been a wonderful pastor and friend to our family for so many years. I can't begin to list the many times he has come through for our family's spiritual needs. He shared our joys and sorrows with such compassion and grace. He loved and respected our matriarch, Mary McKinney and encouraged her to serve Grace Church with her special gifts. I visit Grace when I am in town and while I know he had retired, I always missed seeing him and hearing him always say "Now your the oldest girl, Delores, right?". May his family and close friends be comforted in knowing he touched the lives of so many and was a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior.

Delores Deen

February 13, 2019

Roger, Karl, & family,
Our sincere condolences to you all for your loss. Saying prayers for God's promised comfort at this time.
Blessings,
Bob & Sharon Goodrich

Bob/Sharon Goodrich

February 13, 2019

Goodbye old friend. Rest In Peace
Thank you for the many times we sat over coffee, and for your years of clear and objective council. You made a big difference in my life.

Bruce Ling

February 13, 2019

nancy exoo

February 12, 2019

I remember Roger as a loving Christian, a fine mind, a truth seeker. I was privileged to work with him at OSU in getting a student ministry running, and we would meet regularly at Isaly's for ice cream and conversation. In later years, upon meeting up again, Roger would affirm that he continued to try for that "perfect sermon." Condolences and God's peace to Ellie and family.

Richard Sjoerdsma

February 12, 2019

Dear Ellie,

I am sending my profound sympathy to you and your family! Roger's love for God, for good hymns (and descants!) and for you and his whole family shone through everything he did. I am in Georgia, so will miss the funeral service, but I'm thinking about you and praying for God's deep comfort to surround all of you.

Karin Maag

February 12, 2019

a loved one

February 11, 2019

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Memorial Events
for Roger Van Harn

Feb

14

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Grace Christian Reformed Church

100 Buckley St SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Feb

14

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Grace Christian Reformed Church

100 Buckley St SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Feb

15

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church (Calvin College Chapel)

1835 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Feb

15

Funeral service

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church (Calvin College Chapel)

1835 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Funeral services provided by:

Zaagman Memorial Chapel Inc

2800 Burton St Se, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

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