Vande Kieft, Joseph (1892-1980) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Joseph Vande Kieft was born on February 23, 1892 in Elst, Gelderland, the Netherlands. At the age of three, Joseph and his family immigrated to the United States. In 1910 Vande Kieft made his confession of faith at his father's, Rev. Reyer Vande Kieft, church in Grant, Michigan. When World War I broke out, Vande Kieft was drafted into the U.S. military. Vande Kieft served with the Army Engineers. When Vande Kieft returned to civilian life, he began to farm near Tracy, Iowa in hopes to earn enough money to further his education. He eventually made it to Calvin College, graduating in 1924, and then from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1927.

Vande Kieft's first charge was at Aetna, MI in 1927. He served the congregation in Aetna until 1931, when he accepted the call from Dutton, MI. During World War II, he once again served his country, this time as Service pastor. Rev. Vande Kieft and his wife, Alice (Wyma), provided troops with a warm meal and fellowship. Once WWII ended, Rev. Vande Kieft began to serve the congregation of First CRC in Wellsburg, Iowa. From 1951 to 1958 Rev. Vande Kieft served Aylmer, Ontario. In 1958 he retired from active ministry. In 1965 Alice passed away and Vande Kieft suffered a debilitating stroke. He moved into Fulton Manor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. However, he fell victim to another stroke, and passed away on November 20, 1980.