Rev. Russell Sybesma

Rev. Russell Sybesma, 83 of Holland went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday,August 30, 2012 at Oak Crest Manors of Holland.

Russell was born in Holland on November 26, 1928 to Abel and Mary Sybesma. He is the beloved husband of his wife of 63 years, Elaine (Veldheer) and a brother to Simon (Gertrude) Sybesma and sister Adeline Sybesma both of Holland as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, Lila and Gerben Voetberg, Gloria and Ken Haverdink and Dale and Dee Veldheer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Laurine Brueker and brother-in-law, Don Brueker.

He is the loving father of Larry (Jodi) Sybesma of Holland, James (Angie) Sybesma of South Lake Tahoe, NV, Nancy (Don) Frank of St. Joseph, MI,, and Sharon (Robert) Taylor of Chicago, as well as dear grandfather to Alyson and Aaron Sybesma, Evan Sybesma, Giselle (Jamie) Clement, Ryan (Kim) Frank, Kyle (Laura) Frank, Scott, Kevin and Mark Taylor and great grandchildren Everett Frank and Nadia Clement.

He was a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Hope College and Western Theological Seminary. Upon graduation, with four children in tow, Russell set out to be God’s servant. He passionately served the congregations of Faith Reformed (Muskegon), Grace Reformed (Lansing, IL.) and Hope Reformed (Kalamazoo). In his retirement, he worked for International Aid and was the calling pastor at Ottawa Reformed Church in Holland where he was a member. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed traveling. His cheery disposition, sparkly blue eyes and happy smile will be greatly missed.

Services will be held Wednesday, September 5, 2012 11:00AM at Ottawa Reformed Church, 11390 Stanton St., West Olive, MI. with Revs. Kevin Kleinheksel and Fritz Kruithof officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be Tuesday 6-9 at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Ave.

Donation in his memory can be made to International Aid, Spring Lake and Kids Hope USA (Zeeland).

Please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com to leave a message or to sign an on line registry.