Rev. John G. Van Ryn passed into eternal life Friday, July 1, 2022, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at 90 years of age.

John was born to Harry and Jennie (Schutt) Van Ryn, September 23, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois.  His first wife of 33 years, Elizabeth (Timmer) Van Ryn, preceded him in death on March 11,1988.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Margaret (Katte) (Van Winkle) Van Ryn.

His Van Ryn children and grandchildren:

Douglas (Agnes) - *Alyssa (Cristiano), Ashley.

Glenn (Julie) - Geoffrey (Leah), Christopher (Holly), Jennifer (Kevin), Valerie ( fiancée Greg).

Joel (Diane) - Amy (Aaron).

Bruce (Barb) - Matthew (Lauren), Elizabeth, Nathan (Stephanie).

And eight great grandchildren,  *Expecting #9!

The Van Winkle children and grandchildren:

Jeff (Nancy) - Andrew (Paige), Leslie (Charles), Mark.

David (Susan) - Sarah (fiancée Andrew), Peter (Emma), Joel.

Joel (Beatrice) - Margaret (Dave), Laura (Mark), Matt (Aubrey).

Michael (Naomi) - Caleb, Faith, Claudia, Ben.

And two great grandchildren.

Brother & Sister-in-law: George & Jacqueline Van Ryn.

Sister-in-law: Jean Van Dyk.

Many Nephews, Nieces, Friends, and Colleagues.

John found joy in, and showed love and support to his large family in countless ways. Traveling, camping, attending the grandchildren's sporting events, sharing festive meals, telling stories, sharing his wisdom and insights when asked, praying with and for his family, and just relaxing and being together were highlights of his life. The void he leaves in this earthly life is great and he will be sorely missed.

As we reflect on John's life, many words and memories come to mind.  Patient and loving husband. Wonderful and caring father. Loved, enjoyed, looked up to, valued and respected, by his many grandchildren. Faithful friend. Talented and skilled pastoral leader and preacher. Prayer warrior. Humble. Kind. Gracious.  Quick with a smile and eager to see the humor in life. Open minded, good listener, able to see other perspectives, thinker, willing to keep learning and adapt to life's challenges.

John felt the call to ministry early in his life and the excitement of God's leading was a wonderful truth. His mother had prayed that the Lord would use her yet unborn child for the furthering of God's kingdom, and that prayer was answered in the life we have seen. As a young man, he loudly sang, "Where He leads me I will follow" in the First Reformed Church of Chicago. Throughout his life, John felt that leading of the Lord, but by his own admission would also say with a wry smile, that at certain times he was struggling to know Where the Lord was leading. Yet he never wavered in his love for the Lord, his family and the people who came into his life. He was deeply thankful to God for having the opportunity to be among those who spread the Gospel, and he lived his life knowing that the biggest adventure was yet to come!

John has been used mightily by the Lord by serving at numerous Christian Reformed Churches in California, New Jersey, Illinois and Michigan. He also served as Executive Secretary to the CRC Home Missions Board. He gave his time and leadership to many organizations, including the Christian Reformed church week held at the Cedar Lake Conference grounds in Indiana, and most recently the New 2 You Thrift Shop, along with visiting and ministering to those in the Holland Home, on the Raybrook Campus, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

We rejoice in God's giving him a long, healthy, well-lived life, full of blessings, leaving a legacy that will be carried on. He was dedicated to serving the Lord as a Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Friend and above all Pastor.

Well done good and faithful servant… To God Be The Glory! Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesdsay July 6. 2022 at Zaagman Memorial Chapel.  A Funeral service will take place on Thursday July 7, 2022 at 11:00 am at Neland Ave. Christian Reformed Church.

In of Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to:

Resonate Global Mission, A Ministry of the Christian Reformed Church, www.resonateglobalmission.org

To view a live tream of the service go to: https://vimeo.com/event/641780