Peter Vanderkamp

Peter Vanderkamp was a man of immense faith; he embodied the true Christian spirit with his kind, generous personality and his strong sense of conviction. Beyond this distinction, however, Peter was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and was devoted to sharing his strong spiritual beliefs and love for the church with his family.

The year was 1914 and great changes were sweeping the country. The skies had darkened over Europe and the raging conflict slowly dragged the U.S. into the trenches of war. People everywhere braced for the conflict as everybody from farmers to factory workers rallied to support the troops abroad. In the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, William and Jennie Vanderkamp weren't focusing on the war efforts, but instead on their newest bundle of joy. On May 13, 1914, the couple welcomed the birth of their son, Peter, the second youngest of their six children. Sadly, Jennie died when Peter was only three. William later remarried to Maggie VanderVelde, who raised Peter and his siblings.

Peter's father was a truck farmer, growing and delivering his own vegetables to the area markets. Later on, he opened his own factory where he processed pickles and sauerkraut. Like many boys of the time, Peter only attended school through the eighth grade, and then went to work on the milk truck to help support his family. The Vanderkamps were members of the First Christian Reformed Church in Chicago, and this strong Christian upbringing would become an important part of Peter's life.

In his early 20s, Peter fell in love with Jessie Oldenburger, and they were happily married on June 23, 1937. Over the next several years, the couple filled their home with the joy and laughter of five children: William, Judith, Robert, Kenneth and Janet. Besides being blessed with a wonderful family, Peter felt moved by the Lord to become an integral part of the ministry. He quickly set about pursuing this chosen path and enrolled in school at Reformed Bible College and later at Reformed Bible Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1948, Peter became a Pastor Evangelist and began serving wherever he was needed. The family grew accustomed to moving, as they lived in many different places over the next several years. They went from Highland, Indiana back to Grand Rapids, and then to Lansing, Illinois, where Peter met and befriended Bud Ridder. They finally settled in Holland, Michigan, where Peter served in the West Olive Christian Reformed Church.

No matter where his path led him, Peter always focused on serving the Lord and serving others. During his ministerial years, he worked on several church development programs, including "knocking on doors" to promote fundraising. Peter also served as president of the Christian Reformed Church Evangelism Congress in the U.S., and was a member of the Board of Trustees at Reformed Bible College. After over 30 years of being a devout servant of God, Peter retired in 1976. Although retired, he continued to be active in Evangelism, and preach in local churches in the Holland area. Peter was a faithful member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church. Although the demands of his calling required many hours and sacrifices, Peter always found time to be an attentive and loving father, nurturing his children in a true Christian manner. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Peter Vanderkamp, age 92, of Holland, MI, died Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at the Hospice House of Holland. Preceding him in death was 3 sisters, 1 brother, and a grandson. Surviving is his wife of 69 years, Jessie Vanderkamp of Holland; five children: William and Gaye Vanderkamp of Aurora, Illinois, Judith Schweizer of Downers Grove, Illinois, Robert Vanderkamp of Holland, Kenneth Vanderkamp of Portland, Oregon, and Janet and Ken Tymes of Holland; 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; in-laws: Raymond and Marie Oldenburger of Illinois, Tom and Jennie Oldenburger of Illinois, John and Thelma Oldenburger of Illinois, and John and Cornelia VanderVelde of Texas. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, December 9, at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church with the Rev. James Scholten officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 8, from 6-8 p.m. at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church Mission Fund or to the Christian Reformed Church World Missions. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Peter or sign the online guestbook.