Rev. William Gerrit BROUWERS, Jr.

BROUWERS, JOLDERSMA, VAN DRUNEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:43

May 15, 1934 ---- June 14, 2019

William Gerrit Brouwers, Jr. was born May 15, 1934 to William and Henriette (Joldersma) Brouwers in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Oakdale Christian School, Christian High School, Calvin College, and Calvin Seminary, all in Grand Rapids. He was united in marriage August 23, 1963 to Beverly Joan Van Drunen, a loving commitment that continued to grow through the years. They had five children. Preceding him in death were his parents; two of his children, Margaret Joann and Stephen David; grandchild Emma Lynn Brouwers; and daughter-in-law Mary Brouwers.

Rev. Brouwers served in the Army from 1956 to 1958. He was Assistant Treasurer of Blodgett Furniture Service Truck Lines. At the age of 41 he was ordained as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church. He served three churches, New Holland, SD, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Wright, near Kanawha, Iowa, retiring in 1998. While there were some who considered him a Pastor, for which he was appreciative, and some who may have considered him a theologian, for Bill there were three questions, and answers to which, around most of his life centered: 1) Is there really a God? 2) If so, what is God really like? 3) How does one know (distinct from all that is believed)? He had no favorite Bible text. The whole Bible was important to him in understanding what God was like.

Bill was a private pilot and enjoyed flying. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, reading, and engaging in a wide range of discussions- but most importantly discussions related to the nature of God.

Bill is survived by his wife; three sons, Gary (Dawn), Philip (Rita), and Timothy (Lorianne); six grandchildren, Katie, Maria, Javon, William, Ryan, and Laura.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 19, in the chapel of Raybrook Manor with one hour of visitation prior to the service from 9 to 10 am. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Bill's memory may be made to Resonate Global Missions, the Raybrook Manor Resident Assistance Fund, or to Bible League International.

Grand Rapids Press -- Grand Rapids, Michigan
June 15, 2019