Earl Holkeboer ’48

Earl Holkeboer ’48, age 93, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, in New York City, his home in recent years.

Born in Holland, MI., Earl attended Midshipman School, Northwestern University (Chicago) and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, including the final campaign at Okinawa; he graduated from Hope College and the University of Michigan, with a masters in education; he earned a Bachelor of Divinity from Calvin Seminary, and a masters in theology from Union Seminary (NYC), specializing in pastoral counseling.

Earl and his wife, Helen, served at Middleville CRC during its beginning, and as church planters for the Christian Reformed Church in Denver (CO), Toledo (OH), and Ft. Wayne (IN). Following retirement he served twice as interim pastor in the Immanuel CRC, Poughkeepsie, NY. Earl is remembered for his kindness, integrity, and steadfast trust in the ways and goodness of God. He was a man of encouragement and of prayer.

Earl was a faithful and loving husband and father, he was predeceased by his wife Helen (Biddle) in 2015; son Robert, in 1995. Earl is survived by son David Holkeboer, of NYC, along with cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who cherish his memory.