It is with regret that we inform you of the death at 8:00 AM on Sunday, 18th May 2025, in Huize Rosa, Nijmegen, at the age of 95 of
Mr. Jan Laarakker
Mill Hill Missionary Associate
May he rest in peace
Born on November 13, 1929, in Bergen aan de Maas, Limburg, Jan spent much of his early years as a teacher of handicrafts and drawing at a secondary school and pedagogical academy. He pursued religious studies in Nijmegen. In his own parish, he actively promoted mission work through the Mission Development Work (MOV Group) and served as choirmaster for 20 years. Jan married Adele Gertrude Denissen in 1958, and together they were blessed with a daughter, Hetty, and two sons, Frans and Martin. Following the heartbreaking loss of his wife in 1989, Jan found renewed purpose through a conversation with his dear friend, Tjeu Haumann, MHM. Encouraged to pursue missionary work, he embarked on a new journey of service. He joined Tjeu on an orientation visit to Kenya and South Sudan, and in October 1994, he returned to Kenya on his own initiative, joining the urban apostolate team in Pandipieri, Kisumu. Captivated by his missionary work in the slums of Kisumu, Jan decided to join the Associate Programme of the Mill Hill Missionaries. In his recommendation letter, Hans Burgman wrote: “During his period of work here, Jan has been an excellent lay missionary—extremely motivated, extremely hardworking, and very devout.”
On 19th March 1996, Jan signed a three-year contract as a Mill Hill Missionary Associate, which was followed by multiple contract renewals until his final one on March 19, 2025. In April 1996, Jan was appointed to the Archdiocese of Kisumu, where he continued serving in the shanties of Pandipieri. His work provided education and opportunities for countless children in the slums. His quiet wisdom, good humour, and expertise were deeply appreciated. In April 2002, he was appointed to Courtfield, England, to assist in welcoming ‘weekend groups.’ In 2003, he moved to Masindi, Uganda, where he taught at a school run by Sisters for former child soldiers, primarily Sudanese refugees. Over time, the school began accepting children from the local community, aiding in the integration of the former child soldiers and generating much-needed funds through school fees. The school became a success, attracting children from well-to-do families in Kampala. Jan devoted himself to constructing essential facilities, ensuring a future for many who had endured hardship.
Jan continued his work in East Africa until late 2003, after which he was appointed to St. Jozefhuis in the Netherlands in February 2004. Even in retirement, his heart remained with the people and places he had served. His bond with fellow missionary Willem van Leeuwen, MHM, led to annual visits to Uganda, reinforcing his lasting impact on the community. In July 2022, Jan was moved to a care home in Arnhem, Netherlands, and later to another care home in Nijmegen, near his family.
On Friday, May 23, a private Eucharistic celebration will be held in his honour before he is laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Adele.
His legacy will be cherished by all who knew him, worked alongside him, and benefited from his kindness and devotion. May he rest in eternal peace.
