Bouwer, WilliamRev. William Jay Bouwer, 82, of Oostburg, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Pine Haven Christian Homes. William was born on May 27, 1934 in Grand Rapids Michigan to Claude and Katherine (Ossewaarde) Bouwer. Following his graduation at Grand Rapids Christian High School, he studied at Hope College. He completed his education after receiving his Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary in 1959. On August 30, 1956, he married his best friend, Barbara L. Flieststra in Grand Rapids, Michigan. William served as a dedicated pastor for the Reformed Church of America for over 35 years. He served Reformed churches in Vicksburg, MI, Cicero, IL, Oostburg, WI and Lansing, IL. William was a faithful member of Faith Reformed Church in Dyer, Indiana, and served as a Stated Clerk for the Reformed Church of America for many years. He enjoyed traveling, camping, history, golf, reading, and the Chicago Cubs. William also worked in donor development for the Middle East Reformed Fellowship. William is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Bouwer of Sheboygan Falls; four daughters, Jan (Larry) Wilterdink of Hingham, Mary (Tom) Katsma of Oostburg, Nancy (Kent) Hoskins of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Cindy Bouwer of Oak Forest, IL; one son, Rev. Bob (Laurie) Bouwer of Dyer, IN; sixteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Flietstra, and Norma (Arnold) Quakkelaar of Milwaukee; and one brother-in-law, Donald Buist of Grand Rapids. William was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary (Roger) Kloote; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Buist; and two brothers-in-law, Clarence Flietstra, and Roger Kloote. A memorial service to celebrate William's life will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 4pm in the community room at the Pine Haven Christian Homes Haven Campus with Rev. Bob Bouwer officiating. Friends and family may gather for a time of fellowship and visitation after the service from 5pm to 7pm. A memorial fund is being established in William's name for Elim Christian Services/ Bethshan Association.The family rejoices in Dad's faith and service in Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life. "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." - Isaiah 40:8The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is honored to serve the Bouwer family. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com