After some time on the farm, Clarence responded to God’s call to prepare for full time ministry as a pastor. After his second year of college, Clarence and Hennie were married on June 29. 1951. Hennie joined Clarence in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he graduated from Calvin College and entered Calvin Seminary where he completed his education for ministry in the Christian Reformed Church. By that time they had three young children and were eager to begin ministry in a small church in Cedar, Iowa.

Clarence and Hennie served six churches together over the next 36 years: Cedar, Iowa; McBain, Michigan; Platte, South Dakota; Fulton, Illinois; Maple Heights, Ohio; and Harrison, South Dakota. They served each church together through hospitality, personal visits, family times with other families, and study of the word, Clarence preaching two sermons every Sunday and Hennie leading women’s Bible studies. Even after retirement, Clarence spent many Sundays preaching in various churches and together with Hennie served in short-term and long-term fulfillment of church vacancies.

After living together in the Christian Home in Waupun, Wisconsin for almost two and a half years, Clarence passed away to heaven on February 4, 2022 after 70 years, 7 months and 6 days of marriage with Hennie. They have five children, 21 grandchildren, and 57 great grandchildren. God’s blessings continue from generation to generation!

Marriage Advice: Work together, serve each other and keep communication open.