Rev. Steven J. Vander Molen died to this life on Thursday, Sept. 24, in Holland, Michigan.
Born on June 5, 1951, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to John and Jeanette (Koning) Vander Molen, Steve was a much-loved youngest child, grandchild, and cousin in the Vander Molen and Koning clans. Full of joy and a fair bit of mischief, Steve was active in his local church, Third Reformed (now Centerpointe in Kalamazoo), and in music activities at Kalamazoo Christian. After graduating in 1969 he attended Western Michigan University, planning to become an accountant. But God had other plans and prompted Steve to shift his focus to full-time ministry. When he graduated from WMU in 1973, he enrolled in Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan.
While in seminary, Steve met Corinne Havinga through mutual friends at a youth gathering. They married in Holland, Michigan, on July 19, 1975. Steve and Corinne served as dorm parents at Gilmore Hall at Hope College during Steve’s final year in seminary, where he experienced living with a whole hall of women (excellent prep for the next stage in his life) and graduated from seminary in May 1977.
Pastor Vander Molen had a rich life of pastoral ministry, serving churches in Michigan and Iowa:
• New Era Reformed Church, New Era, MI, 1977-1982
• Hager Park Church, Jenison, MI, 1982-1989
• First Reformed Church, Orange City, IA, 1989-2005
• Christ Memorial Reformed Church, Holland, MI, 2005-2012
• Western Theological Seminary, Holland, MI, 2012-2017
• Niekerk Christian Reformed Church, Holland, MI, 2018-2019
He loved being a shepherd and a pastor, walking alongside people in their everyday life, their trials and joys as well as the momentous and mundane moments. Steve faithfully preached the Word of God for over 40 years and loved the people and the God whom he served.
Steve put his administrative gifts, pastoral leadership, and shepherd’s heart to use serving as stated clerk for his local classis and as General Synod president for the RCA. He served on various boards around the country, notably on Northwestern College’s executive committee for over 25 years.
By far his favorite role was husband, dad, brother, uncle, and grandpa. He and Corinne enjoyed over 50 years of marriage as true partners, continuing a godly legacy of love, faithfulness, integrity, service, new experiences, and fun. Together they had Jennifer, Michelle, Rebecca, and Matthew, and welcomed all their spouses as family (Tom, Beau, and Christine). He especially relished his role as grandpa to Noah, Emma, Elijah, Nathan, Samantha, June, Flora, Evangeline, and Josephine. He is remembered with love by all of us.
Additionally, Uncle Steve could always be relied on for a funny story, to showcase his gift of mimicry, and to give love and a listening ear to all his nieces and nephews. He is deeply missed by his brother Harold, his sister-in-law Joan, and all his in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Steve had a heart for music and was blessed with a beautiful voice that he faithfully used to praise God and show beauty and reverence on this earth. He loved singing in symphonic and church choirs, was a sought-after soloist for most of his life, and sang at countless church events. Memorably, he sang songs to each of the babies he baptized over the course of his ministry, reminding them of their place in the kingdom of God and their baptismal covenant.
As Steve retired from serving in ministry, his brain function deteriorated rapidly. Even as the disease progressed, his heart and love for people shone through as he smiled and encouraged the staff at his assisted living facility, exhibited kindness, and would occasionally pipe up with an impromptu church service. Through it all, he was most coherent when telling his wife, children, and grandchildren how much he loved them – an immeasurable blessing.
While he now rests, fully restored, in the arms of his Lord and Savior, we await the joy of seeing him again in heaven. Steve will likely be one of the first people to welcome you in, give you a big hug, show you the lay of the land, and point to the joy we will be experiencing in the Lord.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th Street, Holland. The funeral service to honor the life of Steve will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11 am in the sanctuary at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Western Theological Seminary.
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