Malcolm Van Antwerp

Rev. Malcolm Elmer Van Antwerp, age 97, died peacefully Thursday, June 1, 2017, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, after a brief illness.

Malcolm was born November 23, 1919, in Michigan, to Elmer and Margaret (Glen) Van Antwerp in their farmhouse near Tustin, Michigan. He was raised on the farm then left to attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. There he met Emily McClean; they married in 1942 after graduating. Malcolm’s life was his family and the church. With Emily’s steadfast support, he completed degrees at Bethel College and Seminary and Luther Seminary in Minnesota. In 1970, he became pastor at Galilee Baptist Church until his retirement in 1984. Malcolm’s drive to serve and study never diminished; after retiring he earned a Doctorate in Ministry and worked as interim pastor for fifteen churches in Iowa. Emily died in 1991, and Malcolm married Banetah Street, a widow, in 1993.

In 1942, the newlyweds moved to Munising in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They started and built a church that thrives today, Munising Baptist Church. Malcolm worked on the team that pulled out stumps, hauled logs to the mill, and even made cement blocks for the new church. Their first child, Deborah, was born in 1944.

In the early 1960’s, Pastor Van sold World Book Encyclopedias. He achieved Top
Salesman status in the Minnesota-North Dakota sales territory. However, he declined an offer as a high-level sales manager with Field Enterprises, in favor of returning to the ministry.

Malcolm and Emily appreciated music. There was always a record collection and a record player in the house. Their children began instrumental music lessons in grade school; concerts were never missed. They, at times, had symphony series tickets.

Malcolm enjoyed travels throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Israel. He drove his family to most of the 48 states, pitching a tent in the evening. He and Emily hosted groups of friends and family to tour Israel. They visited their son Tom when he was teaching in Japan. Banetah and Malcolm travelled by car to Alaska and Newfoundland.

Malcolm is survived by his children, Thomas Van Antwerp, Ruth Van Antwerp, and Mark (Guillermina) Van Antwerp; grandchildren, Ana (Artemio) Rincon, David (Lissy) Coronado, Daniel (Angela) Coronado, Laura Van Antwerp, and Jonny (Vivian) Van Antwerp; nine great-grandchildren, and brother, Alan (Leah) Van Antwerp.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Emily; his second wife, Banetah; and daughter, Deborah Coronado.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 9, 2017, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral services will begin at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2017, at First Baptist Church, 8250 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston. Burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines at 9:00 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2017.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethel Seminary.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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