April 14, 2011 Service: April 20, 2011 Derek Taatjes and his infant son Dylan James stood before God, with the Savior Jesus Christ interceding for them, Thursday, April 14, 2011. No words can express the pain we feel or come close to describe the joy they're experiencing. His wife Charity (Carpenter) Taatjes, daughters Ella Grace and Johanna Joy, Derek's parents Doug and Linda Taatjes, sisters Hillary Taatjes and Linsey (Jon) Bont and Charity's parents George and Linda Carpenter mourn the absence of son, husband, brother, father, and grandson. They stand firm in the hope of everlasting life for them and a God who comforts those who mourn. Thousands of others God touched through Derek's short life of 34 years will miss friend, mentor, pastor & brother in Christ. Derek, son of God, follower of Jesus, pastor at Crossroads Bible Church, his heart only outsized by his feet and his passion only outsized by his desire to follow God more completely and serve others. A massive smile and wingspan to match, Derek was full of joy and will be intensely missed. Dylan was a joyful baby, full of life and energy. He brought smiles to everyone he encountered. Although his family was only blessed by this little guy for 5 months, Dylan will be missed by all. Visitation for will be held Tuesday from 1-3pm and 6-8pm at Calvary Church, 707 E. Beltline SE, Grand Rapids. Funeral services will be 11:00am on Wednesday at Calvary Church. In lieu of flowers and other gifts, friends have set up an education fund for the girls. Please make checks payable to Ella and Johanna Taatjes, they can be sent to: The Taatjes Girls Education Fund, c/o Jeff Greene, 4020 Silvergrass Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. One of Derek's favorite passages from the bible was James 4: 1-17, particularly 8-17.