Cal was born in Perkins, South Dakota to Henry and Lillian Lubbers and moved with them to Holland, MI when he was still an infant. He attended Sunnyside School and Holland Christian High School. He graduated from Calvin College with a BA in Biology and later added an education degree.
He was a member of Faith United Reformed Church. He served in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica for two years and later worked in community development for the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (now World Renew) in Mexico for 8 years.
He married Jayne Tien who joined him working in Mexico. They raised three children together, all were born in Mexico but raised mostly in Michigan. The farm business he ran for over 30 years was time-consuming and labor-intensive and the whole family was involved at some point. He used to say that the positive of the farm work was that he could take time to attend the children’s activities. He would do that and then go back out to work. The children took advantage of all the sports and activities the school, church, and community had to offer. They commented that their dad “attended more soccer games, swim meets, and track meets than any dad should have…and has the VHS tapes to prove it.” There were also a considerable number of softball games, Tulip Time parades, concerts, plays, and other performances. It was important to him to encourage and support them in all of that. At various times, he also served in the consistory, led Bible studies, and taught Sunday School and catechism.
Cal’s parents, Henry and Lillian Lubbers, and his in-laws, Henry and Thressa Tien, and his brother Howard Lubbers predeceased him.
He is survived by, Jayne, his wife of 51 years; children: Christopher Lubbers, Michael, and Lori Lubbers, Debra Terpstra; grandchildren: Brenna Lubbers, Anika Lubbers, Noah Lubbers, and Kennedy Mckinnon, and Annabelle Terpstra; siblings and in-laws: Gloria and Dale Boss, Judy Lubbers, Lola and Paul Deters, Patti and Roger Peeks; sister-in-law, Susan, and Calvin Hulst.
Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:30 PM on Monday, July 18, 2022, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th St. Holland, MI 49423. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 19 at Faith United Reformed Church, 8270 120th Ave. West Olive, MI 49460. Rev. Ken Hovingh will officiate. Burial will be in East Saugatuck Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Mount Vernon Christian School, Kalamazoo Christian Schools, or Hospice of Holland. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.langelandsterenberg.com.
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