Obituary for Rev. Donald Peter Wisse
Rev. Donald Peter Wisse went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Feb. 27. He leaves behind his loving wife of 68 years Ethel (Broekhuis), sister Millie Link, and children: Donna (David) Boersma of MI; Steve of Midland Park; David and Lisa Wisse of PA; Mark and Grace Wisse of N.Haledon; Debi and Barry Veenstra of N.Haledon; Darla and Jim Bertollo of Hawthorne. He is predeceased by daughter Diane (Russ) Greenfield of N.Haledon. He also leaves behind 23 grandchildren: Nathan Boersma, Lauren and Tim Burke, Jordan Boersma, Donald, Steven and Jennifer Wisse, KyAnn Wisse, Danielle and Jeff Potts, Brett and Elena Wisse, Yvonne and Evan Grimme, Joshua and Tori Wisse, Jessica Wisse, Kelley and Dan Westra, Jenna and Tom Johnston, Rachel and Jake Hathcock, Jesse Greenfield, Brooke and Greg Hagedoorn, Joseph Veenstra, Dara and Mark Bowers, Carly and Ryan Racanelli, Nicole, Heather and Anthony Bertollo, as well as 15 great grandchildren.
Born in Clifton, NJ, the 1948 “class clown” of Eastern Academy worked at Dugan’s Bakery before pursuing an accounting degree at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. Following the Holy Spirit’s leading and seven years of study, Donald graduated Calvin Seminary, beginning an illustrious career in ministry with beloved wife, Ethel. Upon adding 7 children along the way in Wayland, Michigan, Ogden, Utah, and Lake Worth, Florida, the Dominie settled at Midland Park Christian Reformed Church for the next 25 years. In retirement, he blessed the communities of Cedar Crest (Riverdale, NJ) and Lake Worth (FL) for years to come.
In addition, the Colonel served in the US Air Force Reserve, enjoying active duty stints in Thule, Greenland and the Air War College in Montgomery, AL. He later taught history and ESL in Hungary, and seminary students in The Sudan.
Family vacations in Ethel’s hometown of Edgerton, Minnesota, western trips to national parks and overseas excursions to numerous exotic destinations were sources of joy for the Rev. Though small in stature, his large presence and enthusiastic voice could dominate the scene when he entered the room. A fast walker and voracious reader, the pastor loved his family, his country and his Lord.
His sense of humor, love of music, biblical knowledge and wisdom will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He ran his race to win and win he did.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me that day- and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearance.” II Timothy 4:7-8
Friends and family may visit on Friday, March 4 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm at Midland Park CRC, 183 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432. Memorial service at Midland Park CRC on Saturday, March 5 at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to the Holland Christian Home, 151 Graham Ave. N. Haledon, NJ 07508 www.hchnj.org or Eastern Christian Schools at 50 Oakwood Dr. N. Haledon, NJ 0750 https://www.easternchristian.org/support-ec-2/donate-online/
Born in Clifton, NJ, the 1948 “class clown” of Eastern Academy worked at Dugan’s Bakery before pursuing an accounting degree at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. Following the Holy Spirit’s leading and seven years of study, Donald graduated Calvin Seminary, beginning an illustrious career in ministry with beloved wife, Ethel. Upon adding 7 children along the way in Wayland, Michigan, Ogden, Utah, and Lake Worth, Florida, the Dominie settled at Midland Park Christian Reformed Church for the next 25 years. In retirement, he blessed the communities of Cedar Crest (Riverdale, NJ) and Lake Worth (FL) for years to come.
In addition, the Colonel served in the US Air Force Reserve, enjoying active duty stints in Thule, Greenland and the Air War College in Montgomery, AL. He later taught history and ESL in Hungary, and seminary students in The Sudan.
Family vacations in Ethel’s hometown of Edgerton, Minnesota, western trips to national parks and overseas excursions to numerous exotic destinations were sources of joy for the Rev. Though small in stature, his large presence and enthusiastic voice could dominate the scene when he entered the room. A fast walker and voracious reader, the pastor loved his family, his country and his Lord.
His sense of humor, love of music, biblical knowledge and wisdom will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He ran his race to win and win he did.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me that day- and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearance.” II Timothy 4:7-8
Friends and family may visit on Friday, March 4 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm at Midland Park CRC, 183 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432. Memorial service at Midland Park CRC on Saturday, March 5 at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to the Holland Christian Home, 151 Graham Ave. N. Haledon, NJ 07508 www.hchnj.org or Eastern Christian Schools at 50 Oakwood Dr. N. Haledon, NJ 0750 https://www.easternchristian.org/support-ec-2/donate-online/