Katie Gunnink

GUNNINK - On Friday, March 31, 2006, Miss Katie J. Gunnink, aged 89, departed peacefully to - in her words - "kneel before Jesus and gaze into His wonderful face." She entered this world on June 7, 1916, the second of seven children born to an immigrant farmer, Jurrien Gunnink and his wife Joanna, who lived near Kenneth, MN. Her early education was in a one room country school while some of her high school education was obtained through university correspondence courses. In 1935, she entered Calvin College from which she graduated in 1939. After teaching 5th grade at Highland (Indiana) Christian School for two years, she enrolled at what is now known as Reformed Bible College (RBC). Upon graduating, she was retained as an instructor and later, as professor; positions she held until she retired 33 years later. During this time she also obtained two M.S. degrees from Michigan State University. After retiring, she returned to her first love and passion - teaching from the Bible. This involved teaching Bible classes at several local churches and also, by invitation, giving lectures at seminaries and churches at such distant places as India, the Philippines, Scotland, Mexico and Nigeria. Revelation was perhaps her favorite Bible book and one lecture series that was videotaped in a church in California is still available from RBC. Katie also had a great interest in and was an avid student of God's creation. She toured all 50 states, visiting National and State Parks and forests, studying and classifying birds, flowers, trees and animals. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Rudolf and John; a sister-in-law, Ann; and by her close friend and house-mate of 57 years, Johanna Last. Surviving siblings include Abram and Margaret Gunnink, Fannie and Nelson Post, Jerrien and Ida Gunnink, and Ray and Wilma Gunnink. She also had 19 nephews and nieces, for whom she was a wonderful role model and who loved and adored her greatly; and 48 grand-nephews and nieces. The Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 7171 Willard SE, with Rev. Calvin VanderMeyden and Dr. Jerry Gunnink officiating. Interment in Kent Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Reformed Bible College (soon to be renamed Kuyper College). The family will greet relatives and friends Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at: STROO FUNERAL HOME 1095 68TH ST. SE www.stroofuneralhome.com