Leendertz, Willem (1884-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Oct 8 p. 2

Birth date: 1884

Former Professor at Dutch Seminary Dies at Age 86 By Gary Veendorp Editorial Assistant

WORD has been received here that the world-wide Mennonite community has lost one of Its distinguished European scholars. Dr. Willem Leendertz, 86, professor of philosophy of religion at the Dutch Mennonite Seminary from 1933 to 1953 and at the University of Amsterdam from 1944 to 1963, died July 11.

A descendant of a 16th century Mennonite family which moved from the Palatinate to Holland, Dr. Leendertz used to say. “I’ve been a Mennonite for more than 300 years.”

AS A SCHOLAR he was regarded as one of the pioneer researchers of Soeren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher who is often called the father of Christian existentialism. Dr. Leendertz wrote his doctoral dissertation on Kierkegaard in 1913, even though the first writings of the 19th century thinker were not published in English until the late 1930s and did not become popular in the U.S. until after World War II.

Besides his dissertation --- which earned him the doctorate “cum laude”—Dr. Leendertz published some 11 books and brochures. In addition, he wrote articles for theological books and periodicals, and a study on Kierkegaard in English. AS A TOKEN of their respect for their colleague, members of the theological department of the University of Amsterdam presented Dr. Leendertz with a compilation of seven theological essays in 1955. Dr. Leendertz was interested in the world-wide Mennonite community and participated In the Fourth Mennonite World Conference at Goshen, Ind., and Newton, Kan. in 1948.