Dear RTF Supporters,
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that our Ottawa County Lead Chaplain, Cal Alderink, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 5, after a brief hospitalization. We are confident that Cal is secure in the eternal embrace and rest of Jesus Christ. Cal will be among the faithful servants of God’s family who hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Cal worked with Reach the Forgotten for many years as a volunteer in Kalamazoo and as a staff leader in Van Buren, Ingham, and Ottawa Counties. His extraordinary energy and passion for jail ministry were contagious for all who knew him.
Our Ministry Leadership Team has been in steady contact with the Ottawa Sheriff’s staff, our RTF Ministry team in Ottawa County, and with Cal’s wife, Laurie, to provide care and support at this difficult time.
The family has asked us to direct you to the Funeral Home Obituary which has been updated with Cal’s memorial plans and other information.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Allendale Baptist Church, 6262 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, 49401 with Pastor Mark Green officiating. Burial will take place at Allendale Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Monday, June 17 from 4-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendale) 6651 Scott St.
Please forward this information to people who knew Cal and loved him. The family has designated Reach the Forgotten for memorial contributions.
In hope of our resurrection in Christ,
Nate DeWard
Executive Director
Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry
