Ralph Vernon Wiersma

He attended Christian school in Orange City. After graduating from Northwestern Academy, he studied at Northwestern Junior College for two years and earned his associate degree.

During those college summers, Ralph "caught the travel bug" and took to the highways in search of work and adventure. Together with a buddy or two, he hitchhiked to Florida and road-tripped to the Pacific Northwest.

Finally, on the way to California, he stopped off in Denver, where he visited the local Christian Reformed Church and met Emilie Sportel. The planned trip to California was cut short and, before long, Ralph had found a job and was preparing to make Denver his new home.

Ralph and Emilie were married on August 12, 1954, but in a matter of months, Ralph received his draft notice from the US Army. He reported for basic training and was eventually assigned to Kitzigen, Germany. Once there, he worked hard to get an apartment so Emilie could come over and join him there.

When his tour of service was complete, Ralph and Emilie returned to Denver, eager to set up their home and start a family. Ralph returned to his job in the sub-station department at Public Service. Before long, their daughter Patti had arrived, followed by sons Dave and Tim.

Happy years flew by as the family grew up. Fishing and hunting, annual road trips to Iowa, and Labor Day weekends at Lake City, Colorado, were cherished traditions. Ralph worked 40 years for Public Service (now Xcel Energy), advancing to executive foreman before retiring in 1993.

Ralph and Emilie enjoyed 23 busy and active years of retirement, spending their time traveling, bird watching, and enjoying their 9 grandchildren. They placed a strong priority on helping others, volunteering numerous times with World Renew, Mississippi Christian Family Services, Brothers Redevelopment, Joshua Station, Volunteers in Action and the Audubon Society.

With his easy-going nature and genuine interest in others, Ralph made friends everywhere he went. He will be remembered for his cheerful generosity, unfailing good humor, and enduring legacy of faith. He lived each day in the knowledge and conviction that he had been blessed . . . to be a blessing to others.

Ralph will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Emilie, to whom he was married just one week short of 62 years. His memory will be treasured by his children and grandchildren:

Patti and Greg Bode, Ryan and Kristin Bode, Tyler and Reid

Dave and Lia Wiersma, Josh, Lauren and Dave Byma, Catherine

Tim and Amy Wiersma, Jenna and Mark Kunnen, Jillian, Jessica.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

World Renew, 1700 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

or

Christian Living Communities/Clermont Park, Donor Relations, 7000 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 150, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.