Calvin News

Herman Broene ‘42 is described by his former colleagues as someone who was quiet and unassuming, a gentle person with a kind-hearted soul.

“His life was a good manifestation of what I would call a Christian life,” said Ken Piers, professor of chemistry emeritus. “More modeling than speaking.”

Broene passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the age of 94. He taught in Calvin’s chemistry department for almost three decades (1956 to 1984), strengthening the college’s physical chemistry program. Prior to that he earned a PhD in physical chemistry from Purdue University and worked for 10 years at Kodak in Rochester, N.Y., doing industrial research.

“Herm was able to give us a real boost in what was going on in industry [when he came to Calvin],” said professor of chemistry emeritus Ron Blankespoor.

“He was able to talk about what chemistry was like outside of the academic world,” said Bill Van Doorne, professor of chemistry emeritus. “I think he was probably the only one at the time that had that experience. I can’t remember anyone else who had worked in industry for any length of time.”

And while Broene had a lot of experience in research when he came to Calvin, his colleagues say teaching students quickly became his main focus.

“He had their best interest at heart,” said Blankespoor. “You know kids can tell right away if a prof is or is not approachable, and they would certainly find him to very, very approachable.”

“He was highly involved in the classroom, the teaching aspect, mentoring students,” said Roger DeKock, professor of chemistry emeritus. “He really devoted himself to the college. It was his life once he got here to Grand Rapids.”

His colleagues say he was the kind of guy “who was easy to talk to,” “who gave the benefit of the doubt,” and “who regarded other people of more value than himself.” They say his legacy is being lived out through those he invested in.

“He wasn’t a person who pushed himself forward. The legacy he leaves is primarily through his students,” said Piers. “He wasn’t a self-promoter, but a student-centered professor. He always had the best interest of his students in mind,” said Piers.

“He was solid as a rock, but he stayed in the background,” said DeKock.

“Such a kind-hearted soul,” added Van Doorne.

Herman is survived by his children, Mary and Russell Pollard, Jane and Paul Schut, and Thomas and Pamela Broene. He was a longtime member of Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, at Raybrook Manor Chapel. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23 at Zaagman Memorial Chapel as well as from 10-11 a.m. at Raybrook Manor on Monday.