Kristen Deann Rietkerk

    On the early morning of March 11, Kristen Deann Rietkerk of Hidden Meadows, California passed away at home surrounded by her family. She was 56 years old and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last October. Kristen was a follower of Christ and her love of Christ shined in everything that she did.  She had a vast network of friends who appreciated her caring spirit and ability to listen deeply and provide words of encouragement.  She also was always fun to be with and enjoyed a good laugh which her husband Tim tried to provide on a regular basis. Her children also tried their hardest to amuse her in order to hear the reward of her sweet laughter.

    As much as she loved her friends, her love of her family was immeasurable. She met her husband Tim Rietkerk while attending Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI and they were married on June 17, 1989. They added four lively children to the family and most recently, two sons in law:  Lindsey and Michael Gerritsen, Lauren and Brian Lucios, William Rietkerk and Callyn Histed, and Lilly Rietkerk, 

    Kristen was born on December 10, 1966, in Bellflower, CA, to Bill and Eva (Tilma) Postma.  A few years later her sister Stephanie joined the Postma family. Kristen graduated from Valley Christian High School (Cerritos, CA); and Calvin University, (Grand Rapids, MI). She also received two graduate degrees: a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, CA); and most recently a Masters in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot School of Theology (Biola, CA).

    She worked for the Christian Reformed Church, NA as the Regional Network Connector - US West Region and had begun work as a Spiritual Director for Biola University (Biola, CA) when she was diagnosed with cancer.  The cancer did not stop her from loving on her family and friends until the last week of her life.

    Kristen was a lifelong learner and passed on her love of books to her children.  She enjoyed travel and new experiences. As an US Army spouse, she moved frequently and yet always led the family in forming new friendships and adapting to new places. She appreciated music, the arts, good discussions on a myriad of topics, and tending to the backyard garden. 

    She is survived by her husband, their children, her parents, her sister, and brother-in-law Bryan Goudzwaard. She is also survived by her father and mother-in-law, William and Eleanor Rietkerk, and Tim’s siblings: Tom and Denise Rietkerk, Jill and Glenn Hoogerhyde, Faith and Jason Potts, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

    Her family will celebrate her life on April 8 at 10:00 AM at Anaheim Christian Reformed Church, 50 N. Dale Avenue, Anaheim, CA, 92801.  The family is establishing a scholarship in her name to be awarded to a student in the Institute of Spiritual Formation of Talbot School of Theology,