De Ridder, Richard (1921-2006) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Richard Ralf De Ridder was born May 9, 1921 in Holland, Michigan. De Ridder received his B.A. from Calvin College in 1943 and his Th.B. from Calvin Seminary in 1946. While attending Calvin Seminary, he married Adrianna Jaarda in 1944. Together they had five children-Sharon, Mary Ann, David, Judith and Joyce. After his graduation in 1946, De Ridder accepted the call to serve the congregation of Dispatch, Kansas and was ordained. De Ridder went on to serve other congregations such as Coldbrook in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Pleasant St. in Whitinsville, Massachusetts.

He continued his education at Hartford Theological Seminary, Massachusetts where he received a master’s degree in 1956. De Ridder traveled aboard to receive his Ph.D. in Theology when he graduated from Free University of Amsterdam. De Ridder also worked as a missionary with a focus in Sri Lanka from 1956 to 1960. Once De Ridder returned to the United States, he became pastor at First Muskegon, Michigan, First Sioux Center, Iowa, and Silver Springs, Maryland.

In 1973 accepted the position of chair of missiology at Calvin Seminary and later as associate professor of church polity. He stayed at Calvin Seminary until his retirement in 1986. Although retired, De Ridder taught at the International Theological Seminary in Los Angeles for three years. Richard Ralf De Ridder passed away on July 5, 2006.