John C. Vander Stelt

Dr. John C. Vander Stelt, age 86, of Grand Rapids went to be with his Lord on Saturday, September 19, 2020.  He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Case Vander Stelt, Elizabeth Verhagen, and Walter Vander Stelt.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sandy M.; children and grandchildren, David and Marcella Vander Stelt (Kyle, Riley, Spencer), Nathan and Kris Vander Stelt (Nicholas and Tori, Lydia, Joshua), Renee Vander Stelt and husband, Matt McConville (Helen), Rachelle (Vander Stelt) and Tom Knapper (Megan and Monte DeKam, Aaron Knapper).
Born April 5, 1934, in Dussen, Netherlands, John grew up on a family farm where faith was very important. Family, church, and Christian education were a tripod of life. Raised with a strong Dutch work ethic, John and his siblings put in long days between school and chores. John also lived through the horrors of World War II. The ravages of Hitler’s regime of terror, domination, death, and destruction left deep impressions on him. There were fierce exchanges between Allied troops and Nazi soldiers where he lived. Many told and untold stories of these wartime experiences left an indelible impression on him, leading to an unrelenting pursuit for justice, peace and compassion, especially for those who were often marginalized.
John became a Canadian landed immigrant on February 20, 1950, and soon after their family established another farm. In his teenage years he studied at a mechanical trade school and was active in the Christian young people’s society.  But John turned in his mechanical trade aspirations and farming work gloves and swapped them for books. Though the smell of potatoes and horseradish fields would always put a smile on his face, John plunged earnestly into God’s Word and a massive number of books.  He began to tackle important questions that seemingly only a small group of people in Reformed circles dared to ask or address. His overriding calling was to contribute to unpacking what it meant to have a Kingdom-focused world-and-life view that proclaims the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every sphere of life. For him, God’s sovereignty and shalom were not just concepts to be relegated to the classroom or the pulpit but, rather, realities to be lived out in everyday life.
John received his Bachelor’s degree at Calvin College, then studied at the Free University for two years, then came back to marry the love of his life, Sandy De Jong.  They married on September 16, 1960 and then moved back to Amsterdam to complete his studies in Philosophy and Theology. After returning to Grand Rapids, he then completed his Masters of Divinity at Calvin Theological Seminary.  After seminary he Pastored the CRC church in Newmarket, Ontario (1965-1967). John worked for the Institute for Christian Studies for one year and then in 1968, he accepted the invitation to become a professor of theology and philosophy at Dordt College (University) in Sioux Center, IA.  Several years later he received his PhD from the Free University in Amsterdam.
A passionate, challenging and stimulating teacher, preacher, and itinerant reformational speaker, John was globally minded, yet was locally grounded. Between developing and teaching nearly 50 courses at Dordt, including “Calling, Task & Culture (GEN 300), often preaching on weekends, and spending time informally meeting in their home meeting with students, colleagues and many international guests, there were many people whose hearts and lives were impacted.
Over the years there were many international conferences for IAPCHE where he was involved. Much of their travels around the world built many deep friendships.  When living in NW Iowa and not working, John’s greatest joy was spending time with Sandy on their boat on Lake Okoboji, IA. The two of them also greatly enjoyed traveling to see their children, and spending time with friends. John retired in 1999, and in 2006, he and Sandy moved to Kentwood, MI, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. When he struggled with neuropathy and progressive dementia in the past several years, they moved to Holland Homes. Sandy’s patience, love and care carried him through many difficult days, his inner joy and assurance was that God’s grace, strength and sovereignty would sustain him towards earthly finish lines.
While many Scripture passages helped lead John’s life, Micah 6:8 seems very appropriate: “He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
A private family funeral service will be held at 11 am (EDT) Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Woodlawn CRC Ministry Center, 3190 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, with Rev. Mike Abma and Rev. Bryant DeKruyter officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet family Wednesday, September 23, 2020 from 6-8pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood or one hour prior to the private family service Thursday at Woodlawn Ministry Center. Due to gathering restrictions, there will be a limit on the number of people who may enter the building at one time. Masks are required. The service will be live online at: www.woodlawncrc.org/live-stream. Memorial contributions can be made to the Institute for Christian Studies (icscanada.edu); Dordt University (dordt.edu); IAPCHE (inche.one); or Association for Public Justice (apjustice.org).

Leave Your Tribute Message

December 16, 2022 1:15am
I met Dr. Vander Stelt at the Woodlawn CRC in 2013. When I delivered a lecture on "Korean Church History and Its Context," he friendly invited me to his house. I am still remembering his comments and encouragement to me. I am sorry to know his passing too late. I pray God's grace be with his family. -Seongho Kang

- Seongho Kang

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September 27, 2020 1:44pm
Dr. Vander Stelt was a profound inspiration to me in my younger years as a Dordt student in the 1980s. It is by no means an understatement to say that John changed the course of my life, broadened my horizons, and introduced me to the ‘Christian’ and ‘reformed’ in education and worldview. As student and later as colleague, both in the classroom and on the pulpit, I recall him as being heartfelt in person, eloquent in word, passionate in his profession, and driven by something/Someone larger than himself. My memories of life in Iowa are indelibly intertwined with courses and classes that have still not been forgotten, and with countless notes and syllabi that have still not been discarded. I am deeply grateful for what John has meant to me in my life. The path I had chosen when deciding to go to Dordt was not the path I found myself on after leaving his classroom. I still cherish that bygone time and cultivate the memories he left behind. Condolences with your loss.

- Pete Boonstra

September 26, 2020 6:52pm
Dear Sandy, Dear Family With deel respect I remember John van der Stelt. And We are very glad to have met sturing your visits to Texel, NL. And we could receive and welcome Sandy and John in our house for a Nice, warm and beautiful stay. We will never forget him. Thanks for all you have brought to us .

- Cornelis Brandsema, Semia and family

September 24, 2020 5:38pm
Dear Sandy and family. May God surround and support you with his love, grace and comfort as you miss John and grieve. We will always be grateful for his leadership and service to the Institute for Christian Studies, and he will retain a special place in the hearts of the ICS community. John Joosse, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Institute for Christian Studies, Toronto.

- John Joosse

September 23, 2020 2:46pm
Sandy, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the death of your husband. God’s peace.

- Lois Kroll,DeVries

September 23, 2020 8:03am
Dr. Vander Stelt (and Sandy too) has always been one of my most precious memories from my years at Dordt. Even though he first made friends with my dad back in their Young People's days, and even stood up for my dad at his wedding, his caring concern for me decades later was a beautiful example of hospitality and generosity. One fun memory of mine is one Sunday after church being invited to share lunch at the Vander Stelt's house with my roommates. Even though we were underage and not permitted to drink alcohol on Dordt's campus, Dr. Vander Stelt served us each a glass of wine because he said he considered us family! I'm truly sorry for your loss.

- Erica Posthuma

September 23, 2020 3:24am
We consider it a rich gift of God's grace that we knew John as a teacher and close friend of our extended family. We send our love. Theresa De Wit Verlyn & June De Wit

- Verlyn De Wit

September 22, 2020 11:51pm
Condolences with this loss!

- Henri Verhagen

September 22, 2020 11:34am
Our sincere sympathy to you Tom & Rachelle and your entire extended family in the sudden passing of your father and father-in-law! We join you in giving thanks for his life and contributions to the broader christian community over the years, and pray that God will graciously grant you peace in the midst of tears and grief in your loss!

- Harlan & Sandy Vanden Einde




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