Rev. Theodore F. Zandstra

Theodore F. Zandstra was a man of faith and faithfulness. He served his Lord, his family, and his community with a heart of love and depth of devotion that were the gifts of God.

Theodore was born at a time when America was recovering from the First World War and enjoying industrial prosperity. Charles Lindbergh made his historic transatlantic flight and the right to vote in a national election was granted to women. It was an optimistic time in American life, particularly for Frederic and Clara (VanderMolen) Zandstra. They brought in the new year and a new decade with the birth of their son, Theodore, on the 1st of January, 1920. Ted and his twin sisters, Evelyn and Marilyn, grew up in Chicago, Illinois in the security of a family who lived the values of faith, hope, and love. It sustained them when their father died when Ted was just 15 years old. Despite the sadness, Ted enjoyed a childhood that included music, drama, and sports. In school, he was in theater and sang for the Friday night "Hop". He also sang with the chorus of the Chicago Opera. In his youth, Ted was a baseball player and a fan. As a die-hard White Sox fan, Ted would finally be rewarded in 2005.

Ted moved to Holland, Michigan to attend Hope College, where he graduated in 1941 and from Western Theological Seminary in 1944. For five of those years, Ted dated a lovely young woman, June Smit, whom he first met at church on the west side of Chicago. Their love and commitment was sealed on June 10, 1944, when Ted and June were married at the Westside Reformed Church in Chicago. The wedding was a very happy occasion, and the honeymoon was spent in the city that native Chicagoans feel is the greatest: Chicago.

Together, Ted and June embarked on ministry that took them too many different congregations. First, they served Palmyra Reformed Church in Palmyra, New York. Back in Illinois, they ministered with First Reformed Church in South Holland, where he oversaw the building of a new church. Ted took great pride and joy in the church's design, and he was given the honor of placing the 1950 cornerstone. Ted went on to pastor First Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Westwood Reformed Church in Muskegon. Finally, he retired from Trinity Reformed Church in Holland, where he later served as calling pastor. Ted loved being a pastor, and it showed. He was outgoing, eager to interact with others, and engage them in conversation. Throughout his ministry, Ted exhibited gifts that made him a great pastor. He was a loving person, willing to share even the spare time that pastors seldom have. In his lifetime, he volunteered in a number of ways in his community and denomination. He belonged to the Lion's Club of South Holland, the H.A.S.P. (Hope Academy of Senior Professionals), the Exchange Club, and The Board of Pensions for the RCA as its secretary. Yet more than being a man of the people, Ted was a father to his children. His dear daughters Barbara and Deborah took hold of his heart, and into their lives he poured his soul.

As busy a pastor as he was, Ted took time for fun and pleasure. Throughout his life, Ted found great enjoyment in music. He appreciated music of all types-if it was "good", he would say. A man of his training knew that "good" music is what delights people across generations and through the ages. That's why classical music remained his favorite. Being a sports person, Ted was always up for a game of golf, and he could often be found on the West Ottawa Golf Course. Ted was also an avid Hope College sports supporter. He would attend the Quarterback Club and Hoops Luncheons at Hope College following the games. When he couldn't be at the game in person, he liked to watch sports on TV. His faithful following of the White Sox finally paid off this year when his beloved team finally won the World Series. It was a phenomenon for which he and many other fans waited a lifetime.

Ted and June both enjoyed traveling. Distant destinations brought them to Japan and Europe, but there were plenty of places of interest in Canada and the United States. From 1988 to 2003, Ted and June spent their winters in the Orlando area, where it was warmer than Michigan and they could be closer to their daughter Deborah. And yes, there was plenty of good golfing for Ted to play. There were also many restaurants to enjoy, but the local fame of Holland's own Russ' restaurant and the Red Lobster would always be their favorites.

For a man who thoroughly loved being a pastor, no joy could compare with being a husband and father. The greatest days of Ted's life were his marriage to June and the births of his children and grandchildren. They now release him into the loving arms of his heavenly Father even as they miss his presence here on earth.

Rev. Theodore F. Zandstra age 85 of Holland, died Sunday November 27, 2005 in Holland Hospital. Surviving is his wife, June of 61 years; Daughters-Barbara and Dr. Benjamin Nykamp of Grand Haven and Deborah and Fraser Howe Jr. of Orlando, FL; 5 grandchildren; sisters-Evelyn Frobom and Marilyn Ettema both of Holland; nephews, nieces, and cousins. Services are 1 pm Friday at the Trinity Reformed Church, 712 Apple Avenue, with the Dr. Timothy Brown and the Rev. Mark Mast officiating. Burial will be in the Graafschap Cemetery. Visiting will be 7-9 pm Thursday at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Memorials may be made to the Trinity Reformed Church Music Fund or Western Theological Seminary.