Rev. Dr. Vernon Jay Sterk

Rev. Dr. Vernon Jay Sterk, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and a resident of Holland, Michigan, finished his race on earth and peacefully entered his heavenly home on Oct. 25, 2025. His greatest passions were his family, his faith, and sharing the Gospel with everyone he met. He lived out I Corinthians 9:22-23 “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings”. A graduate of Holland High School, Hope College, Western Theological Seminary and Fuller Seminary, he was an athlete and loved all things sports. His love for cycling led to a serious accident in 2017 confining him to a wheelchair but not confining his gratitude and joy in life. Vern was preceded in death by his daughter, Michele Schoon; brothers-in-law, Jim Botsford, Phil Miles, and Roger Kamminga. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carla 'Vande Bunte' Sterk, who together were partners in life and mission to the Tzotzil indigenous tribe in Chiapas, Mexico, for 41 years; son, Rev. Shane and Wendy Sterk; son-in-law, J.R. and Jilanne Schoon; grandchildren, Jacob and Jasmine Schoon (Joelle, Junah), Zachary Schoon, Caleb Schoon, Ellie and Cornell Canada, Micah and Abby Sterk, Emma and Jackson Sietsma, Elijah Sterk, Noah Sterk; sisters, Carolyn Botsford, Doris and Michael Pajak; brother-in-law, Gene and Judy Vande Bunte; sister-in-law, Linda Kamminga; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation with the family is 3:00-6:00 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Faith Reformed Church, 220 West Central Ave. Zeeland, MI 49464. A Celebration of Life is planned for 11:00 am on Saturday, November 15, 2025, also at Faith Reformed Church with Rev. Jonathan Elgersma officiating. Burial to take place in Forest Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Vern's honor may be given to Faith Reformed Church Mission Fund at www.faithzeeland.org or by mail to 220 Central Ave. Zeeland, MI 49464 or The Vern and Carla Mission Scholarship at Western Theological Seminary at www.westernsem.edu/give or by mail to 101 E. 13th St. Holland, MI 49423. www.langelandsterenberg.com

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Rev. Dr. Vernon Jay Sterk

April 21, 1943 - October 25, 2025