John Hiemstra was loved by all. He greeted life with eagerness to make a difference in people’s lives throughout the world. He was a brilliant example of what a man of God would represent. He had love, compassion, devotion and dedication for the love of the world and to all. He served passionately and completely.
He served as a faithful servant of the Lord. He touched many people’s lives from a small young boy in Michigan who needed a father figure to countless co-workers, friends, family, and a mentor to many. He served the needy, the suppressed and those who needed a light of some hope or just a calm presence. As a member of the Reformed Church of America, he was able to travel extensively throughout the world spreading love and support to communities or all faiths. Dad believed in always finding a solution and working together for the goodness of community.
Rev. Dr. John Elmer Hiemstra was born June 21st, 1928. In Oskaloosa, Iowa. His parents were Frank and Gertrude Hiemstra. They were devoted church members and family gatherings revolved around church and family.
He was raised on a farm right outside of town. He had two brothers. They were younger than him, Stephen and David. John was very involved in the local 4-H Club and attended a lot of their group activities. It was at a 4-H roller skating party where he met the love of his life, Norma Franklin. They were both 17 and two years later, they were married on August 20, 1948.
In the beginning of their marriage, they worked several jobs. John even sold and repaired Singer sewing machines to help pay for their bills, which he told us he did enjoy. But he knew he wanted to serve the Lord. He decided to attend Central College in Pella to begin his journey.
In 1952 John Graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts from Central College. Soon after John and Norma moved to New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1955 he graduated from New Brunswick Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. John was ordained as a Minister of the Word by the Reformed Church of America in 1955.
Pregnant with their first Daughter Carol Ann, they moved to Waterloo, Iowa. John became the Minister of the First Reformed Church in Waterloo, Iowa. They continued to grow their family and in 1957 Ruth Ellen was Born and in 1958 Jean Elizabeth was born. In 1959 they moved to Westland, Michigan and started the Good Shephard Church in Westland, Michigan.
It was while they were in Michigan that a fourth daughter was born in 1960, Nancy Lucille. Now a family of 6 with four young daughters’ life was busy. In 1964 the family moved to Harrington Park, New Jersey where he became an Executive Minister for the Reformed Church of America Stewardship Council. His career continued with the Reformed Church of America and served in many other executive positions.
In 1968 he became the Executive for the North American Missions and in 1972 was appointed National Director for United Missions. John Felt it was also important to continue his formal education and in 1978 received a Doctor of Education degree from Rutgers University. More opportunities followed and since they were now empty nesters they decided to relocate one more time.
In 1979 John and Norma moved to West Nyack, New York and started working as an Executive Minister of the Synod of New York, Reformed Church of America in Tarrytown, New York. This would be their home for the next 47 years.
Dr. Hiemstra went on to serve as Executive Director of the Council of Churches of the City of New York and served as President of the New York Council of Churches in Syracuse, New York in 1987.
After receiving a Doctor of Divinity in 1989, Dr Hiemstra continued to serve with passion and dedication. A known pillar in the communities which he represented.
In 1990 he became the President of the Reformed Church of America and in 1994 he was the Director Emeritus of the Council and Co-coordinator of the Commission of Religious Leaders of New York City. His service had no end. Serving as an advocate for so many. A Chaplin for Pastoral Education, Nursing Home Chaplin, Prison Chaplin, Warwick Center and interim pastor in several churches.
Another project that Dr. Hiemstra coordinated was to establish a fund for workers in the aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center, 09/11/2001. This horrific event caused thousands of office workers, couriers and local workers to jobless and in many cases displaced. Dr. Hiemstra became the Executive of the Council Caregiver Project after the 911 attack.
During his career he received several awards including Man of the Year from Junior Chamber of Chamber of Conference, Who’s Who in 2007, for his contributions, Dr. Hiemstra was named “Man of the Year” by the Jaycees Westland in 1963 and Clergy of the Year by Our Lady of the Skies at JFK Airport.
After all these accomplishments and milestones, he longed to return to pastoral duties. In 1994 after retiring from some of his key positions Dr. Hiemstra became the Minister of the Reformed Church of Closter in Closter, New Jersey. Both John and Norma were actively involved in the Church. It was at this church that he helped create a cross Cultural Korean/ English Church. A church where he continued to attend and participate even after his full retirement. He was able to do the benediction up until just a few weeks ago.
In April of 2025 Johns loving wife Norma passed away after 76 years of marriage. He is with her again now and there is no more pain and no more sorrow.
John was also proceeded in death by his parents, brothers and two of his daughters: Carol Snook, Jean Euler and a son in law: Peter Euler.
Surviving are daughters, Ruth Schaefer Gosdick & husband Paul and Nancy Lawson Cook & husband Peter. Son in law, Dean Snook. Grandchildren: John Snook & wife Autumn, Jacqueline Snook Hoffmann & husband Chris, Shawn Lawson & wife Kate, Andrew Schaefer & wife Amy, Timothy Schaefer & wife Prayosha, David Lawson, Anna Cook-Van De Sande & husband Sam.Great grandchildren: Bradley, Brooke, Bryce Hoffmann. William and George Lawson. Ocie Snook. Numerous loved Nieces and Nephews.
Our father enjoyed his family, friends, hobbies including; traveling, photography and flying his planes. His talents were endless. We are grateful for his life which was well lived while serving and caring for so many.
Thank you, Daddy, We Love you!
Funeral services will be held at the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Jon Nelson officiating. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Leighton, Iowa. The family will be at the Bates Funeral Chapel at 10:30 a.m. until service time at 11:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Rev. Dr. Hiemstra’s memory to the
Reformed Church of Closter,
300 West Street, Closter, NJ 07624
