The Reverend Vernon F. Geurkink, originally from Minnesota and most recently a resident of Winsor Park in Carol Stream, IL, died on August 2, 2024 at the age of 88.

Growing up in Wheaton, IL,Vern attended Wheaton Academy where he met his future wife, Patricia (Pat) Carlson. Feeling a call to ministry he attended both Calvin College and Calvin Seminary with post graduate studies in Jerusalem and Amsterdam. Once ordained in the Christian Reformed Church, he and Pat warmly welcomed their adopted sons Brett and Eric.

Vern and Pat's lifelong commitment to justice and mercy, resulted in serving God through their service to churches in Northern Ml, Grand Rapids Ml, and Burke VA. While in Burke, he completed a chaplaincy residency in long term care which resulted in a move to Wykoff, NJ. There at The Christian Healthcare Center, he served as the long term care chaplain for nine years. Upon retirement, Vern and Pat moved to Naperville, IL where they remained in service at Wheaton Christian Reformed Church. In addition, Vern supplied many years of interim ministry to Christian Reformed churches in the area.

Vern loved his wife of 60 years and their sons who were his heart. Vern was an academic who humbly sought to be a person of integrity; advocating for the disinfranchised. When Pat was diagnosed with dementia he served her with grace and devotion and when she passed away in 2018, Vern grieved deeply; longing for heaven and being together.

Vern is survived by his son Brett (Brenda), his son Eric (Marly) his sister Marilyn Larson (Lynwood) and his brother David (Mary). He is the grandfather of six and the great-grandfather of one.

A visitation will be held on August 24th from 10:00am until the time of the memorial service at 11:00am at Wheaton Christian Reformed Church, 711 E. Harrison Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187. Interment will be private at Wheaton Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book at hultgrenfh.com . For more information, please contact Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.