Reverend John Henry Van Lierop Sr.

Rev. John H. Van Lierop passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 4, 2023, at The Kenney in West Seattle. He was born on October 27, 1921, in Moxee (Yakima), Washington to Rev. Bernard and Joanna Van Lierop. His Father was the pastor of the First Reformed Church. In 1927 the family moved to Ghent, Belgium, where his Father founded a mission church of the Belgian Gospel Mission. It was there where John spent his formative years. In 1939 he left for America to attend Hope College in Holland,Michigan. Upon graduation John attended Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. His student

church was in McKenzie, Tennessee. It was there where John met his future wife, Mary Frances Aden.

They were married in1944. John was called to his first full time church, Brandt Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1945. It was there where both of his children were born, John H. Van Lierop, Jr. and Mary Aden Van Lierop. While in St. Louis John earned his Master of Divinity Degree from Concordia Seminary.

Upon leaving St. Louis John served 5 more churches including Oregon - Eugene, Portland, Sandy, and

Washington State - Spokane, Seattle. John had his longest pastorate at the Hope Presbyterian Church in

Portland, Oregon, from 1949-1966. He felt that his biggest accomplishment was overseeing the construction of the new church building on 78th and Glisan St. in 1957. While living in Portland John was the Moderator of the Portland Presbytery in addition to being involved in the Ecumenical Movement. In Seattle he was the Associate Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Seattle from 1968 - 1979. Upon his retirement in 1986 from the ministry in Sandy, Oregon, John and Mary moved back to Seattle to live with their grown children. In 1987 John was asked to serve as Chaplain of the The Kenney, where he served until 2004. In his retirement years John traveled with his wife and son visiting Western Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and a number of the National Parks in the US.

Throughout his life John was very supportive of his son's musical career, that of being a professional piano teacher and church organist. Rev. Van Lierop was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers

and one sister and his wife of 67 years, Mary Frances, who passed away in 2011. In addition to his two

adult children, John is survived by his brother-in-law, Rev. Larry Izenbart, and numerous nephews

and nieces. Rev. Van Lierop's Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, Nov. 4, 2:00pm, at The Kenney Community Room, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle.

Memorial Donations may be made to:

The Kenney Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawn-seattle.com for the Vanlierop family.