Rev. Paul Zylstra

Rev. Paul Zylstra was a man with a quick wit and a sharp mind who lived his life with great vibrancy and zest. He touched the lives of people far too numerous to count through his career with the Christian Reformed Church, but what really mattered to Paul was living his life in service to the Lord, and loving his precious family each and every day.

Paul’s story began on December 18, 1921, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the oldest child born to Albert and Luwena (Hartigh) Zylstra. He was raised in the Christian faith and his family was members of the Broadway Christian Reformed Church. Paul was raised in the family home on Muskegon Street NW, and he attended Christian schools for the majority of his educational career. While in high school, he discovered a passion for running, playing baseball, and singing - activities Paul would pursue throughout his entire lifetime. Paul sang tenor in numerous church choirs, played on several church baseball teams, and ran two marathons, even joining the Grand Rapids Track Team later in life as well. It was also during high school that Paul developed a love for ski jumping.

After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High in 1940, Paul enrolled at Calvin College, but his education was interrupted while he served in the United States Army Air Force as an instructor during WWII. After being discharged as a sergeant, Paul resumed his education at Calvin where he graduated from the seminary in 1949. Of great significance during his time at Calvin was his introduction to Suzanne Swier, who later became his bride. The couple was also blessed with the births of four daughters whom Paul adored.

With his degree under his belt, Paul was ordained to his first church: Aetna Christian Reformed Church in the Cadillac area, and his career later took him all around the United States until he retired from the Palm Lane Christian Reformed Church of Scottsdale, Arizona in 1987. While his children were growing, their family made numerous memories touring several national parks during summer vacations. In fact, Paul loved traveling, and even went to Europe twice and Hawaii after retirement.

Rev. Paul Zylstra was a talented musician, an avid writer who was even published twice, and a gifted athlete. What he will be remembered for most was his love for his Lord, which brought him great joy, and his devotion to his family. It was the strength he drew from these relationships that sustained him throughout the difficult deaths of both his daughter and his wife. Paul was truly a rare gem who will be dearly missed.

Rev. Paul C. Zylstra died on Sunday August 2, 2009. Paul’s family includes his children: Sharon (Wietze) Adema, Rosemary (Ron) Draayer, Ruthann Zylstra, his son-in-law Jim Markus; his grandchildren, Paula (Jimmy) VanBoxel, Rachel Draayer, Emily (Dave) Slager, Aaron Draayer, Jordan Adema, Justine Adema, Rebeka Adema, Christopher Markus, Jesse Markus, Bridgett Markus, David Markus; his great-grandchildren, Taya VanBoxel, Simon VanBoxel, Oliver VanBoxel; his sister Mary (Irv) Lueder; his brothers David (Bea) Zylstra, Rev. Thomas (Doris) Zylstra, Jim (Marilyn) Zylstra; his sister-in-law, Dorothy (Dale) Sheler; his brother-in-law, Art Blackport; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 100 Buckley S.E., with Rev. Karl VanHarn officiating. Please visit with his family and friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Interment will be in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Mel Trotter Ministries.