Vanden Bosch, Koene (1818-1897) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Koenraad "Koene" Vanden Bosch was born on February 19, 1818 in Wolvega, Friesland, Netherlands.  Vanden Bosch began his early adulthood by marrying Maria Rook at the age of 22 and made a living by digging and selling peat. However, his concerns about his spiritual well-being and desire to spread God's word overwhelmed him. So he left behind his peat business and started his journey into learning ministry. He began his studies under Rev. Frederik Alberts Kok and then under Rev. Wolter Alberts Kok.  Vanden Bosch was ordained in March of 1847. Rev. Vanden Bosch began his ministry in the small congregation of Elburg (1847-1848) and then to Het Loo (1848-54) and Noordeloos (1854-56).

Rev. Vanden Bosch wanted to immigrate to the United States, so he transferred from the "old" Noordeloos to the "new" Noordeloos in Michigan. He served the RCA Noordeloos congregation from 1856 to 1857 until became Noordeloos CRC in 1857. He served the church until 1869. Rev. Vanden Bosch other charges included First, Zeeland, MI, (1862-64); First, Grand Haven, MI, (1869-78); and First, Chicago, IL, (1878-81).  Bronchial trouble forced Vanden Bosch into early retirement in 1881. On November 12, 1897 Rev. Koenraad Vanden Bosch died at the age of 79 in Grand Haven Michigan.