Richard Terpstra

Richard Allen Terpstra Jr. was born on December 18, 1958, in Hammond, Indiana.

The first of eight children, Rich developed a strong work ethic at an early age, working in the produce fields and alongside his father at the family Honda shop. It was there that his lifelong love of both produce and motorcycles began. Riding the railroad tracks throughout Northwest Indiana became one of the highlights of his teenage years, and that passion remained with him throughout his life.

At just 17 years old, Rich left home to attend Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he met the love of his life, Iris Van Dyke. They were married on September 1, 1978, and returned to Northwest Indiana to begin building both a home and a family together.

After several years in the family boating business and the arrival of five children, Rich felt God calling him into ministry. In 1988, he answered that calling by enrolling at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. While balancing his seminary studies and raising a growing family, Rich and Iris welcomed their sixth child, completing their family of eight.

Rich faithfully served the Lord through ministry internships in Thunder Bay, Ontario; Brantford, Ontario; Byron Center, Michigan; and ultimately accepted a full-time call to Lamont, Michigan. There, the Terpstra family found a true sense of home, planted deep roots, and watched their family continue to grow for generations to come.

Rich embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. An avid hunter and fisherman, he treasured countless adventures with his father, brothers, and sons. He loved motorcycles, gardening, photography, canning, hockey, hummingbirds, and cheering for his beloved Chicago sports teams. Whatever captured his interest, he pursued wholeheartedly. He had an insatiable love of learning and approached life with a childlike sense of wonder that inspired those around him.

Above all else, Rich loved the Lord, and that love shaped every aspect of his life. His greatest joy was sharing his faith, serving others, and loving his family.

Rich is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Iris; his six children: Richard Allen III (Melissa), Aaron (Tracy), Joel (Lisa), Jacoba (Daniel), Lance (Sarah), and Andrew (Shelby); and his mother, Janet Terpstra.

He was a proud grandfather to 21 grandchildren: Nora, Mercedes, James, Natalie, Noah, Lillian, Olivia, Duke, Kenadie, Lacie, Joelle, Adele, Arie, Lance Jr., Henry, Miles, Tessa, Emma, Quinnly, Ezra, and Archie.

He is also survived by his seven siblings: Russ (Barb) Terpstra, Rochelle (Ken) Kreykes, Rebecca (Ken) Jongsma, Rae Huizinga, Ryan (Nikki) Terpstra, Rhonda (Oscar) Ochoa, and Robert (Melissa) Terpstra; his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Linda (Jerry) Beckering, Marilyn (Harley) Buys, Lori (Barry) Miedema, Curtis (Beth) Van Dyke, Kevin (Denise) Van Dyke, and Arla (Jeff) Pronk; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Allen Terpstra, and his parents-in-law, Lance and Trena Van Dyke.

Rich’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, steadfast love for his family, joyful curiosity, and a life devoted to serving God. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered until we are reunited with him in Christ.

A funeral service will be held Friday, July 31, 2026 at 11 AM at Lamont Community Church, 14000 48th Avenue, Coopersville, MI 49404. A visitation will take place on Thursday from 6-8 PM and beginning at 10 AM on Friday, also at the church. A private family interment will be in Allendale Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Unity Christian High School, Hudsonville Christian School, or Allendale Christian School.

"Well done, good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your master"--Matthew 25:23

"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" -- 2 Corinthians 5:8