John Meppelink (1929-2015) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

John Lambertus Meppelink was born in Sully, Iowa on February 27, 1929.  Meppelink went to Calvin College and Seminary, graduating in 1954. Meppelink’s first charge was in Alamosa, Colorado. Meppelink went on to serve congregations of Fulton, IL (1958-1963); Calvary, Wyoming, MI (1963-1970); First, Fremont, MI (1970-1977); First, Oak Lawn, IL (1977-1984); and Bauer, MI (1984-1986).

In 1986, Meppelink became chaplain at Holland Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was very passionate about serving the residents of Holland Home. He performed skits, slide shows, and various other programs to entertain the residents.  Even after his retirement in 1994, Meppelink continued to serve the community of Holland Home. He even continued to preach up until the year before his death.

Throughout Meppelink’s life, he had served on serval boards such as Foreign Missions, Home Missions, and Board of Trustees, Calvin College and Seminary. He served as a delegate to the Synod. Rev. John Meppelink passed away on June 12, 2015 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn Atema, and daughter, Sharon. His second wife, Carolyn and three children survived him.