Name: Cook Funeral Home & Cremation Services — Grandville Chapel
Address: Grandville, MI

Dear Caroline and family, We grieve with you as we also share joy in your dear Chuck's homegoing. So many memories of his presence still linger at Westview Chruch. One quote from him that is brought to mind now, "when I get to heaven I will have three surprises: missing those who are not there, seeing those who are, and most of all that I am there." We think now of the surprises God has in store for him -- at HOME! We regret we can not speak to you in person as John deals with some limitations in walking, but know that are prayers continue, as does our love. John and Trudy Block

 Posted by Charles - Grand Rapids, MI June 23, 2007

To Carolyn and the whole family,
 My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you with the loss of a wonderful man----Rev. Steenstra.
 When I became new to the Christian Reformed faith he was the one who sat through "many, many" meetings trying to teach me. He had such a wonderful way of teaching and making me feel welcomed. As Rich and I joined the church and added to our family Rev. Steenstra would welcome us by each of our names whenever we came to church that always impressed me so much. But most of all I remember the love that was shared by all of your family towards our family. I have never forgotten those memories and never will. God bless all of you. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
 In Christ Love Becky Berens

 Posted by Becky Berens - Greenville, MI June 23, 2007

Dear Carolyn and family,
 Betsy and I are sorry to hear of the death of Pastor Chuck and we extend our Christian sympathy to you. God is gracious, God is loving, and we pray that He will give you His comfort and peace during these difficult days.
 We were just made aware of Pastor Chuck's physical problems a week ago...and were surprised to hear it. He was always so active and vibrant! Memories began to wash across our minds - his meticulous Bible preaching, his carefully crafted sermons, the meaningful way he would administer the sacraments with kindness and love showing through at baptism!, and his genuine concern for members and adherents as well. 
 As vice president of council I particularly appreciated two and lots more! things: 1 he carefully prepared for each meeting, learning all the ins and outs of every issue that would be coming before us so that the meeetings could be concluded on time, with genuine progress made, and 2 allowing Westview to be free from becoming entangled in the controversial movements that swirled through the denomination - women in office, Dr. VanTil with the biblical interpretation of creation, and the relationship of Calvin College with the seminary. I know that he had strong, personal opinions on these matters he shared some of them with me but he kept them away from the primary work/goal of Westview, the preaching of the Word, the celebration of the sacraments, and the work of missions to spread the gospel throughout the world. 
 Thank you too, Carolyn, for your part in his ministry. He will be remembered as a wonderful man of God, as a successful man of God, as a loved man of God. You will all be in our prayers.
 With love and appreciation - 
 Jack and Betsy DeKorne

 Posted by Jack and Betsy DeKorne - Grand Rapids, MI June 23, 2007

Dear Carolyn, I find it difficult to express just how much of an impact you two have made in our lives. Pastor Chuck led "my Chuck" through catechism and profession of faith, counseled and united us in marriage, listened and supported Chuck after my accident and bapitized our daughter, Rachel. What fun we have had! My family will never forget that it was Pastor Chuck that started the mints & nuts food fight at our wedding reception! We have always considered you two as dear friends, not just "the pastor and his wife". We grieve with you that he is gone from us but also look forward to seeing him again when we join him in the Lord's presence! What a joy that will be!! With our love, The Brott's

 Posted by Chuck, Tami & Rachel Brott - Comstock Park, MI June 23, 2007

I would like to express my sincere Christian Sympathy to the family and to Carolyn on the passing of Charles. What a wonderful God-fearing man is was here on earth and how we all rejoice that he is at home, the place we all long to be - praising our creator. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Judi & Rick Warner

 Posted by Judi Warner - Wyoming, MI June 23, 2007

Our memories of Chuck are fond ones. We enjoyed any number of relaxing game times with him and Carolyn. He was a kind and generous person; serious yet with a quick jest or humorous saying. We are gratefull for having known this brother in Christ. Our prayers go out to you Carolyn, may the God of all comfort grant you His peace and His mercies. With Christian love, Jack and Jean Matheis

 Posted by Jack and Jean Matheis - Lynden, WA June 23, 2007

Dear Steenstra family. What fond memories we have of Rev. Steenstra. And what a God fearing man he was. He was our pastor at two different churches, Ivanrest CRC and Westview CRC. We remember Rev. Steestra as very genial and friendly, yet a sincere and dedicated man for God. He helped me with counseling through some difficult times. He married Kathy and me. In fact, without his suggesting a certain Christian singles organization, we would never have met. He baptized our two sons. He married one of my daughters. His involvement in our family has spanned generations. We enjoyed his sermons and remember that they offered encouragement. I will always remember Rev. Steenstra as a great pastor and a friend.

 Posted by Ken and Kathy Schaaf - Grandville, MI June 23, 2007

Dear Family of Rev. Charles Steensta, Ruth and I were grately saddened by word of Chuck's death. May the Lord wonderfully sustain Carolyn and the whole family at this time. A card of sympathy should follow. Love, Bill and Ruth Kosten

 Posted by William/Ruth Kosten - Toms River, NJ June 24, 2007

Please except my deepest sympathy. I assisted Rev. Steenstra several years at the Information Desk at Butterworth Hospital. I will miss his great smile and kind manner.You and your family are in my prayers. Barb Plummer

 Posted by Barb Plummer - Byron Center, MI June 24, 2007

To the Steenstra family, We were sorry to read of the passing of Rev. Steenstra. You have our deepest sympathy in your loss as well as our shared joy in the promise of Heaven. May God grant you peace.

 Posted by Tom and Norma Boehm - Hudsonville, MI June 24, 2007

Dear Mr. S. and Family, Our family has you in our thoughts and prayers. May God's peace comfort you in your time of need.
 Bob and Carolee Miliusis Tasha, Tony, Steve, Noah former students

 Posted by Carolee Miliusis - grandville, MI June 24, 2007

Dearest Carolyn, Terry, Judy, and family, This greeting comes with sadness and joy, with the passing of such a wonderful servant of the Lord! He is now receiving his reward in heaven for all the seeds he planted to win souls for the Lord, and the care and compassion he showed while doing what God asked of him! We are from Georgetown CRC, and God sent Pastor Steenstra to lead us thru a difficult time. It was a trying time in our church,and thru God's love and care, we became a praying Church. Also Pastor Steenstra was there to guide our soon to be son-in law thru classes to prepare him to give his life to the Lord. Pastor Steenstra was there thru our trials, and then in the joy of marrying our daughter & son-in law.I thank God for him, and your family who have seen God's faithfulness thru many trials in your lives, also, and pray now that you will continue to trust Him for your future, whatever journey God has in store for you! Our love prayers and hearts go out to you!God Bless You and keep you, and may His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! Doug& Esther Glashower & family Brian & Katie White & family

 Posted by Esther Glashower - Hudsonville, MI June 24, 2007

Tim, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you be able to reflect on the special memories you have of your Dad! God Bless. Kim, Greg, Austin and Ashlynn Johnston

 Posted by Greg & Kim Johnston - Grandville, MI June 24, 2007

Dear Chuck and Avis,
 We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father/father in law. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
 With Deepest Sympathy,
 Eric, Jennifer, Grace and Brady Elling

 Posted by Eric & Jennifer Elling - Hudsonville, MI June 24, 2007

Dear Carolyn, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. It was a privilege to have worked with him during his time at Heritage. He always made us laugh and brought smiles to the office just by walking in the room. We pray that God will be with you and wrap His arms around you.

 Posted by Cliff & Cherie Dykstra - Dorr, MI June 24, 2007

Alice & I share your grief, and extend our deepest Sympathy to you. Our Sister Norma called us today and told us of Chuck's going "Home", to be with the Lord forever. Sorry we found out about it so late. Blessings and Love, Henry & Alice.

 Posted by Dr.Henry Dekker - Malabar, FL June 24, 2007

To the Steenstra family: I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. Rev. Steenstra was a wonderful man and a blessing to those around. He was wonderful while at Georgetown CRC. He baptized myself and my brother at Ivanrest and I just want to thank you for the time he gave in the ministry.

 Posted by Alyssia Kalman Vander Wilp - Hudsonville, MI June 25, 2007

Dear Steenstra Family, I was unable to get to the funeral home or attend the funeral, but wanted to send my condolences to your family in the homegoing of Pastor Steenstra. Such a loving family and friends your were to our family and was so neat to have you live next door. I remember so clearly Carolyn coming over to talk to my mom during the day, that was the day when wives didn't work and they just gaded back & forth. The many times Pastor took all us children to school in the station wagon bacause it was raining my mother couldn't drive and we didn't have another car anyway. All the times I babysat for your family and Pastor would walk me home even though I only lived 1 house away, but he wanted to make sure I got home safe. Many wonderful memories of many church events and happenings at Dutton Christian Reformed Church. Your family was such a joy there and to our family also. Please accept my condolences he was a very loved man and we thought and talked of him alot in our family when our folks were still alive and us children still talk of him and your family yet today.Thank you for allowing him to be a part of our life that we will never forget. Judy Miller Wiersma

 Posted by Judy Miller Wiersma - Moline, MI June 25, 2007

Dear Carolyn & Family: We were shocked to hear of Chuck's passing. He was a very dear colleague and friend, We have such good memories of our time of mutual service in Minn. We took that preaching assignment to Canada with some others and had a "fun" time. May God comfort your grieving souls. Take time to sit in silence before the Lord and ask Him "WHY" All our love, George & Julia

 Posted by George & Julia Ebbers - San Jose, CA June 25, 2007

Dear Steenstra Family:Henriette and I express our deepest sympathy and Christian love to you all.Chuck was a great classmate,a fine pastor and preacher, and a humble servant of the Lord.He will be remembered with love and appreciation by many of God's people.May God comfort you in your sorrow, and give you the strong hope of meeting again at Jesus' feet.Chuck's safe in the arms of Jesus! In Christian love, John and Henriette Bylsma.

 Posted by The Bylsmas - Brookfield,WI., WI June 25, 2007

To my family,
 My Grandpa Rev Charles Steenstra was a wonderful man. I cannot explain in words how much I admired him. I will miss him so terribly. I have been so blessed to have grown up with a grandpa that has shown me in actions and words how deeply he loved the Lord Jesus Christ. For that I am so greatful. I love you grandpa.

 Posted by Lindsay Van Koevering Steenstra - Hudsonville, MI June 25, 2007

Dear Carolyn and family, I was so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. I know what that is like and my heart goes out to you. It is so wonderful to know that God is there for us and we can depend on Him even through grief like this. I will continue to pray for you as you adjust to a whole new kind of life. Love and Prayers, Kathy Veenstra

 Posted by kathy veenstra - chula vista, ca, CA June 26, 2007

Chuck was a dear friend of all of in "the silent class of '55.Where there was mischief or joviality, Chuck was there.There was another side to him as well.He was a dovout Christian and a very successful pastor wherever he served.He is now the ninth in a class of twenty six graduates. we will miss him but look forward to seeing him in glory. Love, Bill and Delores Stob

 Posted by Dr. William Stob - West Palm Beach, FL June 27, 2007

To the Steenstra family,
 You have our sympathy at this time of great loss. Having lost both of my parents in the last three years we can relate to what you are experiencing. Pastor Chuck was a great pastor. We got to know him at Georgetown CRC. He was always friendly and interested in what was happening in peoples' lives. He was always a very cheerful person to be around too. May God go with you during these difficult days.

 Posted by Herb Kraker - Hudsonville, MI June 30, 2007

Dear Steenstra Family, We were sad to hear of your loss and home going of Pastor Steenstra. We will never forget the time at Ivanrest as he challenged us in our faith to know what we believe and why. It was a time of spiritual growth for us and we are so thankful to God for him. God bless you in the days ahead and know we will be praying for you.
 Calvin and Suzanne Potter

 Posted by Calvin and Suzanne Potter - Jacksonville, FL July 01, 2007

OBITUARY

Charles S. Steenstra

November 1, 1930 – June 21, 2007

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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