Jay Kenneth Stehouwer

Jay K. Stehouwer, aged 95, passed away on November 17, 2019 at American House in Jenison, MI. He was the esteemed pastor of Zion Baptist Church for 42 years, relinquishing that office in May 2018. He also had the oversight of Hope Baptist Church, Sheboygan, Wisconsin from 1976 to 1989. He served his country with honor during WWII in the Pacific Theater from March 1943 to December 1945, being awarded the bronze star. He served as president of the Trinitarian Bible Society, USA, for 33 years and as a member of the board for an additional nine years. He prayerfully watched the TBS grow from a small organization operating out of his home to the present headquarters for the USA in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Roger, Orin, and Ivan, and a sister, Jean Molhoek. He is survived by a sister, Janet (Jane) Kunst, a special niece, Linda Burden, a special nephew, Jack Kunst, and many other nieces and nephews. In addition, he is lovingly remembered by many friends from Zion Baptist Church and many friends in Wisconsin, Montana, and throughout the United States, Canada, and England. He is remembered as a faithful servant of the Lord, a caring pastor, and a praying friend. We sincerely thank all those who cared for him with concern and compassion at the Cottonwood Manor of the American House in Jenison. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 22, at 1:30 pm at Zion Baptist Church, 1710 Richmond NW, in Grand Rapids, with Pastor G.L. TenBroeke officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 21 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, and again at the church on Friday from 12:30 until the service begins at 1:30. Interment at Fairplains Cemetery. Instead of flowers, please make a more lasting memorial to the Trinitarian Bible Society. To sign the guest book and to leave your own memory of Jay, visit his web page at www.heritagelifestory.com