Former East Martin Christian Reformed pastor Arthur (Auke) Schoonveld died Saturday, Nov. 16.
Auke was born to Willem and Lysbeth Schoonveld on Jan. 27, 1936, in Zuidbroek, Netherlands. He had 13 brothers and sisters and was the baby of the family.
His mother “lived her faith in Jesus” and always took people in. His father, Willem, was a strong, hardworking farmer who supported his large family.
Art’s young years were impacted by the German occupation that began when he was 4 years old and ended when he was 9. Shortly thereafter, his mother died suddenly. His brother, Piet, died in the war in Indonesia.
Art made the tough decision to leave his family after high school and follow his older brother, Klaas, first to Canada and then to Michigan at the age of 19. He was called to serve in the US Army and spent two years as a tank driver.
After leaving the army, Art attended Calvin College, where he would meet his wife, Anita (Bouma). They married in 1962. He attended Calvin Theological Seminary to fulfill a lifelong goal to be a pastor.
He became pastor of the East Martin Christian Reformed Church in 1965. Art and Anita welcomed their first two children, Eric and Sheri.
The family moved across the country to take the lead pastor position at the Calvary Christian Reformed Church, in Chino, California. While in Chino, Art and Anita welcomed Tim and Ryan. In 1977, Art accepted a position in Orland Park, Ill. where he would serve for 10 years. In 1987, Art moved to lead Faith CRC in Holland, and in 1994 moved to his last church, Ivanrest CRC in Grandville, Michigan. He retired from his church position in 2001 but continued to work for the Christian, locally and internationally,
Following his retirement. Art was a frequent volunteer at the Gateway Mission in Holland.
Art was adventurous, service oriented, always stood up for what he believed, and was usually a little mischievous. He was a giving person and was always looking out for others. Art and Anita cultivated an environment of love and laughter which has continued and is a legacy with each of their children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Anita; children, Eric (Shawna) Schoonveld, Sheri (Darin) Dehaan, Tim (Lisa) Schoonveld, and Ryan (Heather) Schoonveld; grandchildren: Ashley (Nicholas) Miller, Kenedy (Lucas) Shelton, Alyssa Main, Elle Schoonveld, Hunter Main, Elijah Schoonveld, Jared Dehaan, Lucy Dehaan, Teagan Schoonveld, Ziggy Schoonveld, Charlie Schoonveld; sister, Ynskje (Harm); brother, Harke (Elly); and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willem and Lysbeth; his siblings, Willem (Klazien), Pilke (Hidzert), Sien (Sacharias), Johannes (Fokje), Klaas (Annie), Piet, Martje (Klaas), Jacoba (Heero), Sjoukje (Joop), Boukje, and Trijntje (Dik).
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Ivanrest Church, 3777 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville. Burial will take place at Lakewood Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Ivanrest Church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Gateway Mission or World Renew.
