Robert Dale Terpstra

Pastor Robert (Bob) Terpstra passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior very early on April 7, 2026 after a week-long struggle following a stroke. His life story includes many roles, adventures and experiences!

Bob was born in Holland, Michigan on July 8, 1933 to Henry & Hester Terpstra and was always proud to claim his Dutch heritage and the inherited genes that kept him looking years younger than his age! He had such fun asking newly met “friends” to guess his age after he reached his late 80’s. Strangers became friends in minutes!

He attended Holland High School, Moody Bible Institute and Bryan College (TN). After serving as youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Lincoln Park, MI, he became senior pastor in McBain, then Wyoming Park, MI, then again at the church in Lincoln Park, and then Immanuel (Baptist) Church in Holland, MI – his home church—for 17 years, during which time he also served as Holland Police chaplain for many years. Following retirement from the pastorate, he became the Transportation Supervisor for Holland Public Schools for 12+ years, also teaching the bus driving classes and doing road testing of bus & truck drivers. Being a born and raised Holland (MI) native, he was the perfect Tulip Time trolley tour guide – in full Dutch costume with wooden shoes. Another of his favorite roles was as funeral home attendant at Lakeshore Memorial Services which he did for 25 years. Bob was well-known for doing personalized funeral services, always including the saying “The surest thing in life is death; the most unsure thing is when…” so each person needs to be prepared.

He married Barbara Elgersma in 1956 and they shared 50 years of marriage and ministry, prior to her passing in 2007.

They were blessed to adopt two girls, Beth Roe and Brenda (Terry) Bosch. The girls have since blessed him with 6 grandchildren Michelle (Jenna) Ezinga, Michael (Faith) Ezinga, Mitchell (Bridget) Ezinga, Mackenzie (Dana) Baumgardner, Jessica (Mike) Bowman, Rebecca (Brenen) Louwerse; great-grandchildren, Malakai Van Volkinburg, Lauryn Baumgardner, Phillip James Dawe, Lincoln Baumgardner, Carmen Ezinga, Adeline Louwerse, and baby boy Ezinga on the way. Other family members include Jan’s children and grandchild, Jared (Jen) Boyd and Jodi Boyd; Taylor Andrews; Bob’s siblings Ken (Bonnie) Terpstra and Elaine (Rev. Monty) Ledford; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

In 2008 God brought Jan (DeRidder) Boyd into his life. He would say God had this union planned “before the foundation of the world!” And both enjoyed the “best years of our lives” together for close to 18 years! Pastor Bob & Jan became known as PB&J and many friends enjoyed following their adventures all over the world! For about 14 years they enjoyed condo living & involvement. Then in 2022, as life and activity level slowed, they added an apartment onto daughter Jodi's "barndominium" in Holland (MI) where they enjoyed watching birds & wildlife from their sunroom, entertaining friends at home, helping Jodi in the medical missions warehouse, and hosting an AirBnbB and "glamping" site.

THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026

Visitation will be held at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, Michigan 49424, on April 11, 2026 (THIS SATURDAY), from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with Visitation also taking place there the same day from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

NEXT FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026

Memorial Visitation will be held at Immanuel Church, 325 104th Ave, Holland, MI 49423, on April 17, 2026 (NEXT WEEK FRIDAY), from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Memorial Celebration of Life at Immanuel Church on April 17, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am.

As everyone who knew him knows, he had a huge heart for people and was the ideal "pastor" and friend to all and "Everybody loves Bob" was a very common theme! He thoroughly enjoyed being with people, but also cherished time alone with just he and Jan in the peacefulness of home. As friends would depart from a visit with him, he would always say "Right home now!" He is now the one that has gone Home!

Memorial contributions may be given to One for Israel, oneforisrael.org or Make a Difference Ministries, PO Box 5334, N Muskegon, MI 49445; madministries.net.

Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com for further information.