Ralph Van Roekel

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

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