Wesley "Wes" Kiel

Wesley Elvin Kiel, 92, of Holland, Michigan passed away on September 25, 2025 at his home.

Wesley was born in Corsica, SD to John Raymond Kiel and Jennie Rose VanderWerff on October 9, 1932. The family moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1938 and he grew up in the Ferndale/Lynden area of Washington state. Wes attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa before transferring to Hope College in Holland, Michigan where he received his BA degree. He went on to Western Theological Seminary (WTS) to earn a Masters of Divinity degree and would return later in life to receive his doctorate.

While first in seminary, he met and married Nellie Klein. After graduation and an internship, the first church they served was Brooklyn Reformed Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1963, he was called to Woodway Community Reformed Church in Edmonds, Washington where they served until 1972. Following this they were called to Central Reformed Church in Sioux Center, Iowa and from there to Christ Memorial Church in Holland Michigan in 1979. He officially retired in 1998 but remained very active in ministry as an interim pastor as well as working part time for Western Theological Seminary.

Wes and Nell enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 64 years. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on the island of Kauai surrounded by all of their children and many of their grandchildren in a memory and delight filled vacation.

Wes was a voracious reader of many different genre of books all his life. He was also an avid wood worker, creating and sharing pieces of furniture and toys that are cherished by his children and grandchildren. He loved to fish and play bridge whenever given those opportunities.

Wes is survived by his wife, Joyce Looman Kiel, his daughter, Susan (Richard) Weikert, son Scott (Cathy) Kiel, grandchildren Meghan (Darron) Collings, Melissa (Christopher) Werries, Leah Makepeace, Laura (Kyle) Bruursema, Ryan (Stephanie) Mallehan, Steven (Danielle) Kiel, Hannah Kiel, sister Lois (Ray) Zylstra, as well as cherished great grand children.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Nell, daughter Sheryl Mallehan, son Steven Kiel, grandson Matthew Weikert and sisters Donna Jansen and Betty TenKley.

Wes has been lovingly married to Joyce for four years however they have known each other since she was his church secretary in the '80s and 90's. Her children and grandchildren loved him dearly. Her children are Linda (Ray) Quintero, Wendy Looman (Joan Kowalsky) and Mark (Steffany) Looman. There are six step grand children, seven step great grandchildren and one step great-great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday September 30, 2025 at Christ Memorial Church in Holland, Michigan with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Brown officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, September 29, 2025 at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W 32nd St. Holland.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Gateway Missions or Hospice of Holland.

For those unable to attend the service in person, a live stream will be available HERE