Riphagen, Merlin G. 1924-1996

RIPHAGEN, VANMAREL, KUIKEN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 3/2/2010 at 18:52:42

MERLIN G. RIPHAGEN
Merlin G. (Rip) Riphagen, age 72, of Artesia, Calif., died at his home on Sunday, Aug. 25, 1996. Graveside services were held Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose Hills in California. Memorial services were held at 11:30 a.m. at Bethel Reformed Church in Bellflower, Calif. Merlin was born April 25, 1924, at rural Sioux Center, the son of Gerrit H. and Henrietta (Van Marel) Riphagen. He attended school in Orange City. He served in the Armed Forces, breaking mules in World War II. After the Army he lived with his family in Maurice. He married Elaine Kuiken June 12, 1946 in Ireton. They moved to Artesia in 1950. His life work was trucking and he owned and operated "Riphagen Trucking."Survivors include his wife of 50 years; a daughter Bonnie and her husband Jeff Ter Keurst and their two children, Jody and husband Steve Phillips and Bradley Ter Keurst; a son Gary and his wife Bertie and their three daughters, Annika, Marieke and Adriana; and Gregg and his wife Lisa and their children, Garrett, Lucas and Shelby, all of the Los Angeles, Calif. area; a step-mother, Henrietta Riphagen of Sioux Center; three sisters, Beulah Harms of Hawarden, Sharla De Jager of Maurice and Fay Masters of Sacramento, Calif.; also many nieces, nephews and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth Ory and Vernon; and a sister, Arloa Vande Brake.
Source: Local newspaper after 8-25-1996