Kok, Bernard (1903-1997) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Bernard Kok was born on November 23, 1903 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Kok family immigrated to the United States, settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kok's personal faith motivated him to pursue a career in ministry. Kok entered the Protestant Reformed Seminary and was ordained in 1929 at Roosevelt Park Church in Grand Rapids. From 1937 to 1942 Kok served the denomination as a home missionary. In 1942 he received the call from the congregation of Hudsonville, MI. He served the church until 1948, Kok's other charges included Holland, MI (1948-58) and Lansing, IL (1958-61).

In 1961 Kok became a pastor of the Christian Reformed Church serving Cochrane, ON (1961-64) and Dutton, MI (1964-69). Rev. Kok entered retirement on October 1, 1969. Despite being retired, he continued to visit the sick and elderly. On September 22, 1997 Rev. Bernard Kok passed away due to pneumonia.  He was survived by his wife Katherine (Bos) and their children.