Diephuis, Roelof (1871-1945) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Roelof Diephuis was born in Putten, Gelderland, the Netherlands on August 12, 1871. In 1887 Diephuis and his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Wortendyke, New Jersey. Like his father, Diephuis wanted to pursue a career in ministry. He attended Hope College, and then studied at Calvin Theological Seminary. He graduated from the Seminary in 1900. On October 31, 1900, Diephuis was ordained in Lodi, New Jersey. He served the Lodi congregation until 1903. He went on to serve the churches of Oakland, MI (1903-08); Harderwyk, MI (1908-11); Second, Kalamazoo, MI (1911-19); Alto, WI, (1919-25); and Goshen, IN (1925-36). Rev. Diephuis retired from active ministry in 1936.

After retirement, Diephuis moved back to Grand Rapids to spend his remaining days. He joined the First Church of Grand Rapids. Just days after celebrating his 74th birthday, he passed away.  He died due to an illness on August 15, 1945.  He was  survived by his wife , Fanny VandenBerg, their 9 children, and 13 grandchildren.