Andrew John Bandstra

Bandstra, Andrew John Grand Rapids, Michigan Dr. Andrew John Bandstra, age 92, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on February 8, 2019. Loving and dedicated family man, humble scholar, beloved professor, esteemed churchman, and committed friend, Andrew lived his life in joyful service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Church he loved so well. The youngest of 9 siblings, Andy was born on December 6, 1926 on a farm in Taintor, Iowa to Andrew and Jenny (DeJong) Bandstra. He attended Central College in Pella, Iowa, Calvin College and Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Andrew served in the armed forces in World War II and pastored one congregation before committing his career to that of professor at Calvin College and then Calvin Theological Seminary. While Andrew was dedicated to the study of the New Testament, he was especially respected for being an excellent and engaging teacher and preacher. Known for his hearty laugh and counselor's heart, he touched the lives of countless people. He served to support the church in his congregation and at the denominational level. He also participated on boards of the Christian schools and community endeavors. While his dedication to matters outside his home was a high priority, the members of his family were his greatest prize and the object of his love. Andrew joins his parents, siblings, his first wife, Mae Ruth (Stursma) Bandstra, and his daughter Ruth Ann Bandstra in that great cloud of witnesses who have gone ahead of us. He is survived by his second wife, Ruth Ann (VanGrouw) Bandstra, his children Nancy (Dick) Stob, Sue (Rich) Hamstra, Mary (Bob) Ippel, Barb (Barry) Newman, his step-children Cheryl (Bernie) DeYoung, Karen (Bob) Veldman, Ruth (Ron) Verwys, Crystal (Paul) VanBeek, Lee (Donna) VanGrouw, Barb (Norm) Hawkins, Lynn (Greg) Andriese, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he rocked, held, loved, and supported. As a family, we are deeply grateful for the staff at the Cook Memory Center at Raybrook and the way they lovingly cared for Andy and walked this journey with all of us during the last months of his life. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 18, 11:00 AM at Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 940 Neland Ave. SE, with Rev. Joel DeMoor and Rev. Cindy de Jong officiating. Lunch will follow. Private family interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Rev. Cindy Holtrop officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 17, from 2 to 5 PM at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvin Theological Seminary Andrew J. Bandstra Scholarship Fund or to the Christian Education Fund of Neland Avenue CRC.