Vance R. Elzinga Obituary (1958

Vance Richard Elzinga, beloved son, husband, father and grandfather passed into glory January 15, 2021. He had an unexpected battle with glioblastoma/brain cancer, diagnosed February 25, 2020. Vance was born November 23, 1958 to Douglas and Judy (Wilson) Elzinga. Vance grew up in Zeeland, Michigan, where he graduated from Zeeland High School. He graduated from Lake Superior State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He felt God calling him into service for Him, so he began studies at Reformed Bible College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He met the love of his life there, Julie Bratt, and they were married July 30, 1982. Upon graduation, he served as Pastor of Education, Outreach and Youth, first at Third Reformed Church in Pella, IA, then Harderwyk Christian Reformed Church, Holland, Michigan. After graduating from Western Theological Seminary, he served as Senior Pastor to Hope Reformed Church, Parkersburg, Iowa; Knapp Street Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Otley Reformed Church, Otley, Iowa; and Faith Reformed Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, until incapacitated by his illness. Vance was gifted with a brilliant mind. As a 14 year old, he obtained his Amateur Ham Radio License alongside his father, Douglas Elzinga. He understood technology in a way most don't. He also enjoyed playing guitar, and leading his congregations in Praise and Worship singing. He blessed his churches with his wisdom, compassion, and love. He enjoyed recreational sports, kayaking and jet skiing with his two brothers in law who took him in as a brother. He loved bicycling, wood working, and invented a morse code paddle for backpackers on his 3D printer. Spending time with his children and grandchildren was his favorite activity of all. Vance served joyfully in many capacities from Teen Missions Int'l, Youth Camps, youth mission trips, serving for many years with Cursillo (going twice into Belize Prison to help run retreats); firefighter chaplain; and technical help for various ministries. He had recently returned to his love of Amateur Ham Radio, passing a 50 question test with 100% to earn his Amateur Extra Class. He loved his newly found Ham friends in WI. He was a great encourager, and his pastoral care for others will be deeply missed. He wanted to always point others to his Savior, Jesus Christ. Vance and Julie were blessed with 6 children, whom he loved immensely. He is survived by his wife of 38 years: Julie (Bratt) Elzinga; children: Timothy Elzinga, Natalie (Tim) Vanlaningham and their children Maddy, Finn, Isaac, Titus, and Micah, Luke (Piper Haugan) Elzinga, Morgan (Tyler) Helms, Alexis Elzinga and her daughter, Aubrey Barrett, and Keagan Elzinga. As a foster parent for 20 years, he also loved Cody and Kayle PaChia; Josh and Selena; Serenity and Trinity; Mozelle and Mary Jane; and Luke, as a dad. Also survived by his mother, Judy (Wilson) Elzinga; sisters: Stacy (Ken) Veenstra and Karen (Mike) VandeBunte; sister in law, Vicki Buxton; brothers in law: Don (Mary) Bratt and Jon (Lisa) Bratt; and many nephews, nieces, and extended relatives. He was predeceased by his father, Douglas Elzinga, father in law, Donald Herbert Bratt, and mother in law, Dorothy (Dykstra) Bratt. There will be a small graveside service and a memorial celebrating Vance's life will be held in the summer, when it is safe to gather. Memorial contributions in Vance's honor may be made to Jungle And Aviation Radio Services (JAARS) or Wycliffe Bible Translators. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids, is honored to be assisting the family.