Rev. Richard M. Hartwell, Sr.

Devotion. It's a word used so often, so easily, that it often loses its true meaning, its true message. But Reverend Richard Hartwell embodied that word in every facet of his life, a truly blessed life he lived to the fullest. Richard was deeply devoted in everything he did, devoted to his family, devoted to his country, and devoted to his faith. It's that deep devotion - and love - that we remember and respect so much today.

America was enjoying the fruits of its labor in the peaceful times of 1926. Finally recovered from the burden of World War I, the Roaring Twenties were in full swing, and the country was reveling in the Progressive Age. Here in this corner of the globe, the Hartwell family was preparing for its own celebration, with the birth of twin sons.

Richard and Robert were born January 24, 1926, on (fittingly) a cold, snowy Sunday in Grand Rapids, to Edward and Coral (Sedam) Hartwell.

Richard and his brother were raised by his mother who held a deep faith. He was surrounded by Christian neighbors who ensured he had a strong faith. It was in this environment that he develped his Christian faith, his personality, and his faithful character. Of course, Richard found more than faith in this environment. He also found love.

Richard grew up with a beautiful young girl named Lois Versluis, who lived in the same neighborhood on Maynard Road and the two attended Bible Study together. The two fell in love, a love that lasted a lifetime, even as they would soon be apart.

Richard was just 17 when he graduated from high school, and had entered Calvin College for a semester. But the pall of World War II was darkening the skies on the horizon, and all young men were called upon to serve the country they loved. So when Richard became old enough he entered in the United States Navy, on April 28, 1944. Richard went to Madison, Wisconsin for his training to become a radioman, after which he shipped out overseas to places including Shanghai. Richard served aboard the USS Bingham, as well as the USS Markab in the Pacific, and was so proud and passionate to help his countrymen battle the forces of tyranny. While overseas he helped transmit the Japanese surrender - but it wouldn't be the last "Good News" he helped spread.

Richard was discharged from the Navy on May 30, 1946, and upon returning home to Grand Rapids and his beloved Lois, he took advantage of the government's G.I. Bill, enrolling in Calvin College.

During his senior year at Calvin, on August 11, 1949, he and Lois excitedly exchanged wedding vows on a warm Thursday at Walker Christian Reformed Church. They would start their family soon enough, while Richard continued his schooling. After graduating from Calvin, he went on to Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia for four years, where he earned a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis on the New Testament. Richard also attended Calvin Theological Seminary where he received additional training in the doctrine of the Christian Reformed Church.

Lois had also graduated from Calvin, and became a teacher, as well as helping raise a growing family. Together Richard and Lois were deeply blessed with six wonderful children, sons Richard Jr., Timothy, Peter, Robert, James, and Esther.

With his family growing, Richard's career - and devotion to God - was beginning to blossom as well. He began his ministry in the Christian Reformed Church in 1957, after being ordained by Rev. J.J. Hiemenga on Sunday, September 29, 1957. The Rev. Hartwell then served churches in the Washington D.C. area from 1957-1967, and then churches in the Chicago area from 1967-2005. Rev. Hartwell loved his ministry, and was so blessed to have found his calling. He was deeply devoted to the Lord and the CRC, and became an important figure in the church. In addition to his ministry, he also served as a stated clerk to Classis Chicago South for 25 years. He also served as a representative to Synod, and served on the Board of Trustees of Calvin College.

Rev. Hartwell was an important man, but most of all, he was a devoted man. He was so devoted to the Lord's work, and to his family. He was a man of such strong conviction and character, yet remained so personable, so accessible and easy to talk to. There was no better listener, and he always seemed to have the right thing to say with wise insight or his trademark humor.

Richard always loved a good laugh, the way men who are at peace with themselves and the Lord often do. He had many loves, of course, and was blessed with an active and brilliant mind. He loved to read, or watch Masterpiece Theater, or listen to talk radio, and even enjoyed bowling from time to time. And he loved spending time with his beloved Lois, and loved her more than ever after 56 years of wonderful marriage. The happy couple traveled to Europe as part of their 50th wedding anniversary, one of many trips they took together. They also loved to go visit their children in other parts of the country, including California and Texas, among others.

Rev. Hartwell was a man of great principle, great character, and most of all, great devotion. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, and a devoted servant of his church. He was guided by something greater, guided by his faith in the Lord, who he proudly devoted his life to serving. Richard guided so many of us along the way, through his love, and through his faith. Today we still follow the path he left for us, his love and faith still in our hearts and minds, stronger than ever. He will be greatly missed.

The Lord God called his faithful servant home on Monday January 30, 2006. Rev. Richard M. Hartwell, age 80 of Grand Rapids, lived a life filled with love for his Lord, his family, and the flocks he shepherded. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lois (Versluis), 6 devoted children, (by order of age); Chaplain Col. Richard M. (Judy) Hartwell Jr., of Colorado Springs, CO, Timothy J. (Catharina) Hartwell of Wyoming, MI, Dr. Peter S. (Diana) Hartwell of Seattle WA, Robert A. Hartwell of San Francisco, CA, James V. (Dawn) Hartwell of St. Joseph, MI, Esther C. (Robert) Dyksen of Hawthorne, NJ. His loving grandchildren will also miss him. They are: Andrew and Jessica, Elizabeth and Josh, Emily and Darren, David, Rebekah, Philip, Christina, Joanna, Katelyn, Brian, Daniel, Nathaniel, Erin, Ryan, David, Sarah, Alyssa, Stephen and Jenna. He was also privileged to be blessed by the great grandchildren, Tyler and Hannah. Rev. Hartwell's twin brother, Robert Hartwell resides in Grand Rapids. The service to celebrate the life of Rev. Hartwell will be held on Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. at LaGrave Ave. Christian Reformed Church, 107 LaGrave Ave SE. Relatives and friends are invited to meet his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Thursday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to Back to God Hour or Calvin College.