Death of Robert J. Kloosterhuis

Bob Kloosterhuis and his wife Ruth at the 2007 Alumni Homecoming Harvest Picnic. (Photo by Justin Jeffery)

Robert J. Kloosterhuis, Adventist leader and Andrews alumnus who served as chair of the Andrews University Board for a number of years, died on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019. 

Kloosterhuis, 87, was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1932. He attended Emmanual Missionary College, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1954 and obtaining his master’s degree from Andrews University in 1965. Ordained in 1966, Kloosterhuis served the Seventh-day Adventist Church in a variety of roles: president of the Franco-Haitian Seminary; secretary/treasurer of the Franco-Haitian Union; pastor in the Illinois Conference; departmental director for the Illinois Conference; president of the Franco-Haitian Union, and finally president of the Africa-Indian Ocean Division from 1980–1985. He also served as a general vice president for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists from 1985–2000.

On his official Facebook page, Ted N.C. Wilson, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, shares memories of Kloosterhuis. "Kloosterhuis had a visionary perspective on evangelistic outreach. He was ahead of his time in relation to technology and was very efficient. His and Ruth’s great emphasis was saving souls for Jesus and through His power. We salute Pastor Kloosterhuis’ dedicated service to God’s Advent movement. Soon we will see him again, by God’s grace, when Christ will come in the clouds of heaven to take us home! What a day that will be!”

Kloosterhuis is survived by his wife, Ruth, and sons, David and Robert.