William Hendriksen (1900-1982) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

William Hendriksen (18 Nov 1900, Tiel, Netherlands-12 Jan 1982, Grand Rapids, Mich.) was the son of Bernardus (Bernard) Antonie Hendriksen, a carpenter, and Jannetje (Jeanette) Van Ravesteijn. The family immigrated to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1912.  A prolific reader, scholar, and writer, he graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary 22 Sep 1927 and earned a ThD from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1942.  He was ordained as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church in 1927 and pastored churches in Zeeland, Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and Byron center, Michigan. In 1942, he was appointed Professor of New Testament at Calvin Seminary, and held that position until 1952.

Among his, numerous publications are More Than Conquerors (reprinted numerous times) and nine volume of commentary on thirteen book of the New Testament.  He commentary work was end when he died, as he was work on the letters to the Corinthians.

Prof. Hendriksen was married to Ren Baker (1892-1960) and then Reta DeBoer.  He and his first wife had three children Bernard (married to Arlene), Dr, Daniel P. (married to Shirley) and Geraldine (married to Rev. Louis Kerkstra).