Calvin Ernest Overbeek

Calvin Ernest Overbeek was born on February 20, 1943 to Ernest Overbeek and Myrtle (Weener) Overbeek. He graduated from Creston High School,Grand Rapids, MI in 1961. He married Nancy Sporre and they had two children, Eric Overbeek and Heidi Overbeek. After several years working as a carpenter, Calvin followed a call from Jesus Christ into the ministry. He graduated from the Central Christian College of the Bible with a B.A. in Theology in 1970, and an M.A. in Counseling from Lincoln Christian Seminary in 1978. Calvin pastored with the Churches of Christ for 5 years. Calvin was an avid outdoorsman. He was happiest when swimming, camping, boating, scuba diving and rock hounding. He moved to Sault Ste. Marie, MI where he worked for the Department of Corrections and he married April Wolfe in 1988. In 1989 he moved to Valdez, Alaska to continue exploring the extreme north. He earned a Certificate in Fisheries from Valdez Community College in 1991. Calvin worked as in a fishery and as a Developmental Aid Worker. He retired at 52 to explore the towns and remote villages, delighting in the wildlife and wilderness of Alaska. He was active with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) in Hawaii, the U.S. Center for World Missions in California, Youth for Christ and Wycliffe in Florida. He moved to Lancaster, to volunteer as an accountant at JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Radio Services) in Waxhaw, NC. Calvin spent the remainder of his years in the Carolinas, enjoying gardening, kayaking and exploring God’s wonderful creation. He remained a dreamer, adventurer and a free spirit. Funeral services will be 3:00PM Sunday, October 7, 2018 in the Gordon Funeral Chapel 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112. Burial will follow in Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00PM to 2:45PM at the funeral home. He is survived by his wife, Reverend April Wolfe of Lancaster, SC, a son Eric Overbeek (Charity) of Durham, NC, a daughter, Heidi Overbeek (Cindy Perriotti) of Lake Charles, LA, his grandchildren, Brandon, Britney, and Brooke Overbeek and Ashante Pierrotti, his brothers, Ross Overbeek (Joan Kalmek) Chicago, Il, and Brad Overbeek (Coco) and sisters, Joellyn Kieren, Grant, MI, Margo Van Offen, Holland, MI, Robin(David) Henning, Traverse City, MI and Calvin’s two dogs, Scamp and Scooter Marie. He was blessed with true friends all around the world, and spent many hours with his friends at the Buford Variety Stop Café. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Humane Society of Lancaster, SC, are encouraged, or even better, adopt a dog and love it honor of Calvin Overbeek. Online condolences may be made to www.gordonfuneralservice.com. Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Overbeek family.