Ralph J. Kuiper

KUIPER, ROORDA, LANGSTRAAT, DE HAAI, HALL

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 11/15/2006 at 20:51:06

Ralph J. Kuiper, the son of John R. And Tena (Roorda) Kuiper, was born June 11, 1903 in the Bethel neighborhood northwest of Pella, Iowa. He passed away on Saturday, January 17, 1998, at the age of ninety-four years, seven months and six days, at the Clearview Manor in Prairie City, Iowa, where he had resided since June 1995.

He was a life-long resident of the Pella, Oskaloosa, and Beacon areas. He attended elementary school in Pella. On February 15, 1928, Ralph was united in marriage with Hattie Langstraat, at the bride's parents' home east of Pella. The couple had two children. Hattie died December 28, 1966. In February 1969, Ralph moved to Pella from the Viersen farm west of town. On July 14, 1973, Ralph married Nellie (De Haai) Hall in Des Moines, Iowa. She passed away in October 1985.

Ralph was member of the Church of the Open Bible in Pella and had served on the Deacon Board for many years. He farmed in the Oskaloosa, Beacon, and Pella areas. He had also worked for Ramsier Hatchery by Oskaloosa raising turkeys. In later years, he worked for the Ford garage in Pella as a courtesy car driver for a few years.

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Tena W. and Robert Frederick of Pella, Iowa, and Leonard J. and LaVina Kuiper of Norwalk, Iowa; six grandchildren: Verlin, Kevin and Leon Frederick, Sheryl Kuiper Cozad, Sheila Kuiper Mohler, and John Kuiper; ten great-grandchildren; three step grandchildren; one adopted great-grandchild; two foster great-grandchildren; and one step great-grandchild; one sister-in-law: Henrietta Kuiper of Pella; and a step daughter: Bonnie and her husband, Glen Forney, of Scottsdale, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hattie; his parents; a brother: Gerrit J. Kuiper, who died January 24, 1989; a sister Dora Roorda, who died December 5, 1986; two infant brothers: Andrew and John; one great-grandson: Joshua Frederick.

Ralph will be remembered as a kind, concerned, and loving father and grandfather.

Source: Garden Chapel Funeral Home obituary card