Richard Allen Baarendse, 88, entered his forever home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Pine Haven Christian Community in Sheboygan Falls, WI. He was born May 22, 1935, to the late Jacob and Jenny (Hoogesteger) Baarendse in Sheboygan, WI. Dick graduated from Sheboygan North High School, class of 1953. After high school, Dick went on to serve his country in the United States Navy, including a tour of duty in the Korean Conflict.
After returning home, Dick furthered his education at Taylor University in Indiana, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Literature and History. He also attended Columbia Bible College’s Graduate School of Missions in South Carolina.
Dick was united in marriage on April 17, 1965, to Elsbeth Baris in Sheboygan, WI. He served as an evangelist and pastor with The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) in Vienna, Austria for 40 years, retiring in 2001. Dick helped to establish the evangelical movement in Austria and the formation of two churches in Vienna as pastor.
He was an active member of the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church, serving in the choir and men’s groups. Richard enjoyed hiking, traveling, fishing, photography, and woodworking. Most of all, he loved his Lord Jesus Christ and his family.
Dick is survived by his wife and loving helpmate of 59 years, Elsbeth; daughter Christine (Mark) Beasley of Green Bay, WI; sons Steve (Sara) Baarendse of Lexington, SC, and Philip Baarendse of Asia; grandchildren Jessica (Zach) Morgan, Jennifer and Justin (fiancé Corrin) Beasley; Abigail, Jacob, David, and Esther Baarendse; and great-grandchildren Elaina and Lively Morgan. He is also survived by sister-in-law Ingrid Baris of Mexico; brothers-in-law Gary Baris of Sheboygan, WI and Graham Roberts of Australia, as well as nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Frances Barends, Maude (Henry) Leonhardt, and Janet (Emery) LaTarte; brothers Cornelius “Casey” (Bonnie) Baarendse, and David (Charlotte) Baarendse; and sister-in-law Frieda Roberts.
Funeral services will be held at the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church, 1710 N. 15th St, Sheboygan, WI on Friday, March 8 at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Jon MacDonald officiating. Friends and family can meet for a time of visitation and fellowship from 9:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. Burial with family and close friends will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
A livestream of the funeral service can be found by visiting www.wenig.live/dickb on Friday, March 8 at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Evangelical Free Church of Sheboygan in Dick’s name.
The staff of Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the family. Please visit wenigfh.com for more information.
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