Dr. Ronald Geschwendt, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, mentor, and friend, passed away on August 18th, 2026, at the age of 88.
Ronald was born October 19, 1937, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and was a proud graduate of Hope College, Class of 1959. His life was shaped by a deep faith and a calling to serve others. He continued his education in preparation for a lifetime of ministry, earning a Bachelor of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary in 1962, a Master of Theology from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1971, and a Doctor of Ministry from Western Theological Seminary in 1983.
The Reverend Dr. Ronald “Ron” Geschwendt leaves a lasting legacy of visionary leadership, dynamic teaching, and a deep passion for community renewal over more than four decades of ministry within the Reformed Church in America (RCA).
Dr. Geschwendt brought his unique gift for fostering vibrant, forward-looking church families, along with his enthusiasm and warm pastoral heart, to several West Michigan congregations, always with his beloved wife, Jan, by his side. His early ministry included shepherding the growth and expansion of Fair Haven Reformed Church in Jenison and North Park Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. He went on to serve as senior pastor of First Reformed Church of Zeeland throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, where he and Jan raised their family. Later, he ministered at Zion Reformed Church in Grandville before concluding his full-time pastoral career at First Reformed Church of Grand Haven.
A gifted communicator and dedicated mentor to pastors and church leaders, Dr. Geschwendt balanced a deep reverence for Scripture with a passion for making its message meaningful and accessible to people in every season of life. His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. Through his work with Words of Hope and his contributions to the Sunday School Guide, he continued to share the message of Scripture with people well beyond the walls of the churches he served.
One of the most meaningful chapters of his later ministry was his work with the Commissioned Pastor Program for the Regional Synod of the Great Lakes. As coordinator of the program, Ron devoted himself to identifying, equipping, encouraging, and mentoring men and women who felt called to serve the church. He had a special gift for recognizing potential in others and helping them develop the confidence, knowledge, and spiritual foundation needed to answer that call. Through the pastors he mentored and encouraged, his ministry continues to reach congregations and communities far beyond his own.
Even after retiring from that position, Ron’s commitment to the church never truly ended. Teaching, encouraging others, studying Scripture, and helping people discover how they could serve remained an important part of who he was. His true legacy lives on not only in the congregations he led, but also in the pastors he mentored, the words he wrote, and the thousands of lives touched by the message of grace he so faithfully shared.
Those who knew Ron will remember not only the ways he served others, but also the things that brought him joy. He treasured time with family and friends, especially a beautiful day on the lake. He had a lifelong love of baseball, hunting, and fishing, and he never seemed to tire of being outdoors and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Above all, Ron treasured his role as a grandfather. His grandchildren were a tremendous source of joy and pride, and he cherished the time he spent with them-whether sharing stories and laughter, debating the latest news, racing to complete the New York Times crossword puzzle, playing a rousing game of Rook, enjoying time together at the lake, or simply watching them grow. The love he had for them was unmistakable, and the memories they made together will remain a treasured part of his legacy.
Ronald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice “Jan” Geschwendt, who died in July 2023. Jan was his partner in every sense of the word-his greatest supporter and constant companion throughout their life together. With her quick wit, outgoing spirit, and wonderful gift for making people feel welcome, Jan brought laughter, friendship, and fun wherever they went. She stood beside Ron throughout his years of ministry-typing sermons, matching his tempo on the organ, keeping everyone’s grammar in check, and cooking countless batches of bluegill. Together, they opened their home and their lives to countless people along the way. Ron and Jan made a wonderful team, sharing a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and plenty of laughter.
He is lovingly remembered by his children: Mark (Carla) Geschwendt and Mark’s daughter, Marisa; David (Cami) Geschwendt and their children, Joshua (Kate), Zachary, Tristan, and Cameron; and Amy Farnsley and her children, Paige, Nicole, Griffen, and Meredith. Ron was also blessed with great-grandchildren Lila and Linc Lee, children of Joshua and Kate.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Arvin and Genevieve Geschwendt and beloved brother, Vernon Geschwendt. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Marleen Reed, Janet McKnee, and Bonnie (Dick) Dykehouse, along with extended family, lifelong friends, and the many people whose lives he influenced through his ministry.
Ronald’s legacy is found not only in the churches he served or the ministry he helped strengthen, but in the lives of the people he encouraged along the way. His faith, kindness, wisdom, humor, and love for his family will be remembered and carried forward by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
A service celebrating Ronald’s life will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 22, 2026, at First Reformed Church, 301 Washington Ave. Grand Haven, MI 49417.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Words of Hope at www.woh.org or by mail to 700 Ball Avenue NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503.
Burial to take place in Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven, MI.
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