Ralph James Van Roekel was born January 8, 1927, to Louis and Maggie (Van Ommen) Van Roekel, in Rose Hill, Iowa.
In 1948, Ralph was united in marriage to Walleta De Reus in Oskaloosa, at his mother’s home. Walleta unexpectedly passed away in 1972. In 1974, Ralph married Lillian Stursma, at her home in Pella.
Ralph was an honest hard-working man, who worked for Wake’s Feeds, and later farmed and did carpentry until 1972. After moving to Pella, he continued to use his carpentry skills to fix up homes he purchased and sold.
He enjoyed taking his golf cart to McDonalds for coffee, learning all of the day’s news, and sharing stories. He also enjoyed antique cars and tractors.
Ralph faithfully attended the Nazarene Church of Pella. He loved the Lord and was baptized at the age of 88.
He was preceded in death by his wife Walleta Van Roekel, his parents Louis and Maggie Van Roekel, his children: Amy Van Roekel and Bruce Van Roekel, sisters: Joyce (Richard) Van Weelden, Mildred (Asher) Schanck, and brother Glen Van Roekel.
In addition to his immediate family, Ralph is also survived by his brother Darrel and JoAnn Van Roekel of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; his sister-in-law Vera Van Roekel of Indianola; and many nieces and nephews.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Lillian and their families. . .
Katherine & Galen Howsare
Anne Howsare & Jesse Boyens
Jude, Joss
Mark Howsare
The late Bruce & Marilyn Van Roekel
Aaron & Laura Van Roekel
Max, Andrew
Kate Van Roekel & Dan Millis
Jane & Merle Appelgate
Kaleb & Taylor Appelgate
Liam, Sawyer, Elliana, Maggie
Seth & Kayla Appelgate
Jebediah, Mason
Caitlin Appelgate
David & Cathleen Van Roekel
Lauren & Ben Sawyer
Waylon
Dylan & Lexi Van Roekel
The late Amy Van Roekel
Doug & Sandy Stursma
Eric & Betsy Stursma
Kaden, Chloe, Cooper
Tracy Van Zante
Dawson
Brenda & David Van Vark
Stacy & Zach Kanis
Zander, Grayson, Koen, Avery
Michelle & Kevin Jones
Ryker, Finn, Beckett, Nelle, Amos
Jill & Shaun De Vries
Hendrix, Clark, June, Truman
Carol & Jim Oliver
Corey & Hannah Oliver
Ronan, Ezra, Teddy
Holly & Andrew Becker
McKenna, Maya, Trey
Nicole & Dustin Shield
Tucker, Remi
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
Hospice of Pella
Pella IA
Gideons International
PO Box 161, Pella IA 50219