Richard Wevers passed away peacefully at the age of 92 at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods on January 21, 2026.

Richard Franklin Wevers was born in 1933 on a farm in Baldwin, Wisconsin to Bernard (Ben) and Willemina (Minnie) Wevers. He was named after President Franklin Roosevelt and known as Rich.

Rich attended Calvin College, where he met the love of his life, Sylvia (Baas) Wevers. Their marriage spanned 69 wonderful years, filled with love, companionship, and mutual respect. Rich's academic journey led him to the University of Wisconsin, where he earned his Doctorate degree in Classical Languages launching his life-long passion for linguistics.

A dedicated educator, Rich taught Greek and Latin at Calvin College for 35 years in the Classical Language Department, eventually becoming the chairman of both the Classical and Modern Language Departments. He was a pioneer in education and continued to develop innovative approaches to classical studies. Rich taught the first computer class at Calvin College and was instrumental in purchasing the first computer for Calvin. Rich utilized computers to study Greek texts by employing computational methods to compare stylistic traits of texts to determine authorship.

Rich loved studying and teaching Greek and Latin, predominantly instructing pre-seminary students. He instilled in them a "reverence for the text and a basic humility before it", values that he held dear throughout his career. His scholarly contributions include writing a six-volume and four-volume concordance of the 1st and 2nd editions of the Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin. Rich was a key member of the Synod appointed committee to review the biblical references in the Heidelberg Catechism. In response to the need for a modern accessible English version of the Bible, Rich was also a part of a scholarly team that aimed to balance accuracy to the original Greek, with clarity and contemporary language, which became known as the New International Version of the Bible. Rich's endeavors in these projects greatly impacted modern theological studies. Even in his dementia years, Rich's profound knowledge and love for languages remained. He could recite the Lord's Prayer in both Latin and Dutch and would read from the Greek Bible, demonstrating his lifelong dedication to his faith and scholarship.

Rich's commitment to his communities is evident by playing a crucial role in establishing the Madison Wisconsin CRC and served as its first elder. He also served multiple elder terms at Calvin Church. For 25 years, he was the timer for Calvin men's basketball games, showcasing his support for the college's athletic programs.

Though Rich had a life-long passion for intellectual language studies, his farming upbringing gave him the knowledge and skills to fix and build almost anything. He used these skills to demonstrate his love for his family by humbly helping with home repair and building projects. The family has fond memories of summers at their Lake Michigan cottage which Rich designed and built himself.

Rich is survived by his wife Sylvia, and three of their children: Jan (Dick) Wilkins, June (Dale) Bloem, and Jackie (Jim) Henderson. He was preceded in death by his daughter Judy (Dan) Bode, his parents and five of his six siblings. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: KaraMarie Wilkins Lizewski, Kim (Lee) Wierenga, Brian (Jodi) Bode, Amanda Bode (Michael Davidson), Jeffrey (Lauren) Bloem, Michael (Melissa) Bloem, Brooke (Natalie) Para, and Brett (Daniela) Henderson.

He was a proud great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren: Abi Lizewski, Jeremiah Lizewski, Grace Lizewski, Nico Wierenga, Rowan Wierenga, Brayden Bode, Veda Davidson, Bennett Davidson, Eleanor Bloem, Benjamin Bloem, Ezra Bloem, and Lyla Henderson.

Rich's legacy is one of dedication to education, faith, and family. He will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing him. His contributions to academia, his church, and his community will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.

Visitation will be held at Calvin Church from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday January 25 and again from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Monday January 26. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at Calvin Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Calvin Church Family Assistance Program, a clothing ministry serving the Grand Rapids area since 1969.