Ralph Van Wyk

Ralph John Van Wyk was born December 3, 1930, to William Gysbert and Johanna (De Jong) Van Wyk, on the family farm southeast of Sully.  He passed away on August 29, 2018, at the Comfort House in Pella.

Ralph attended country school through eighth grade and completed two years of high school in Sully.  He joined the U.S. Army in 1952, working as a radio operator until his honorable discharge in 1954.  He later  earned his G.E.D. through the GI Bill.

On January 4, 1952, he was united in marriage to Jane Ann Van Wyk at the Second Christian Reformed Church in Pella. They were blessed with three children:  Phyllis, Delwin and Ruth.  They were married almost 25 years until her passing in 1976. Ralph married Ruby (Van Der Kamp) Van Zante at her home in 1978. 

After discharge from the Army, Ralph began farming and continued until his retirement in 1991. He and Ruby then moved to Sully. Ralph continued his passion while working many part-time jobs in the agriculture and carpentry occupations. He enjoyed tractor rides and woodworking. He was a true Jack-of-all trades! Ralph was a lifelong member of the First Reformed Church in Sully, serving as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher, active with the Gideon's organization and a current member of the Sully Lions club.

Ralph is survived by his wife Ruby, his children and step-children, and his siblings-in-law: Esther Van Wyk, Dorothy Van Wyk, Jeanette Van Der Kamp, Vernon Van Der Kamp,  Neva Lanser, Bernard (LaVonne) Van Wyk, Ada Kay (Gilbert) Van Maanen, Donald (Lucille) Van Wyk, Dick (Linda) Van Wyk, and Harold (Twyla) Van Wyk.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jane Ann, his siblings: Gysbert Van Wyk, Anna Mae (Bob) Dunsbergen, Gertrude (Ray) Van Wyk, Wilmer Van Wyk, Forrest (LaVonne) Van Wyk, and Vernon (Carolyn) Van Wyk.

Family

 Phyllis and David Zylstra, Pella

            Teresa and Brian Eschen

                        Brianna, Josiah, Risa

            Kyle and Shalene Zylstra

                        Lydia, Aidan, Norah, Gerrit

Delwin and Karen Van Wyk, Newton

            Heather and Matt Zylstra

                        Noah, Sage, Lily

            Heidi and Steve Squires

                        Elizabeth, Abigail, Sophia, Benjamin, Hudson

            Nathan and Elizabeth Van Wyk

                        Samuel

Ruth Renaud, Sully

            Hillary and Mike Engbers

                        Grayson, Gavin

            Holli Renaud

            Brett and Sierra Renaud

Barb and Paul Fynaardt, Oskaloosa

            Kim and Joe Albright

                        Austin, Haley, Caden

            Kevin and Robin Fynaardt

                        Mallory, Aaron

            Kendall Fynaardt

            Kraig Fynaardt (deceased)

Bev and Rod Van Maanen, Lynnville

            Kendra and Jon Rockhold

                        Kylee, Kale

            Londa and Jason Schnell

                        Riley and Cori Schnell

                        Emma, Parker, Lincoln, Jordyn

            Shawna and Cory Tice

                        Hadley, Kinsley, Brilynn

            Debbie and Chris Merten

                        Ellyse, Avery, Jaxson, Adalyn

Brad Van Zante, Grinnell

            Cameron and Hilary Van Zante

                        Silas

             Drake Van Zante

             Easton Van Zante

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