Wichhart, Ralph William 1931-1999

WICHHART, GROENEWEG, SENTS, DONZO, ARTS, GOODMAN, STEENHOEK, BAGHERIAN, ROZENDAAL

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 11/13/2010 at 17:53:30

Ralph W. Wichhart, 67

Ralph William Wichhart, a son of Christopher and Henrietta D. Groeneweg Wichhart, was born on November 27, 1931 in Mahaska County near University Park. The family then moved to the Lower Grove vicinity, where Ralph graduated from the eighth grade at the Cherry Grove Country Grade School. Later he earned his GED and took some college courses at Des Moines Area College. Ralph then helped his dad farm and began driving truck for Peoria Stockyards.

On June 27, 1958 he was united in marriage with Sally Joyce Sents at Pella and to this union four daughters were born: Lori Lynn, Susan Gail, Julia Ann and Lisa Beth. Following their marriage, Ralph and Sally lived northwest of Pella for ten years and then moved to an acreage north of Pella. Ralph farmed for several years. He then ran a sawmill which he did for 12 years, even after losing an eye in an accident at the age of 18 years. Then until his health failed, Ralph drove truck for Sully Transport. Driving truck was Ralph’s most fulfilling occupation.

Due to a heart condition he had lived with for the past 15 years, Ralph passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 1999 at his rural home north of Pella, where he and Sally had lived for several years. Ralph attained the age of 67 years, five months and 15 days. Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Sally; their four daughters and their families: Lori Wichhart and her twins: Musa and Maja Donzo of Ghana, Africa; Susan and H. Alexander Arts and their four children: Will and Alex (twins), Peter and Andrea of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Julie and William Goodman of Newton; and Lisa Wichhart of Chicago, Ill. Ralph loved his six grandchildren a lot and was always looking forward to seeing them.

Of his original family, he leaves two brothers and their wives: Robert and Pat Wichhart, Clarence (Shorty) and Marlena Wichhart of Pella; two sisters and their husbands: Donna and Jaren Steenhoek of Pella; Helen and Mohsen Bagherian of Colorado Springs, Co; another, Brother-in-law and his wife, Harold and Velma Rozendaal of Sully; and many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his father, who died October 12, 1977; his mother, who died April 30, 1984; and his sister, Shirley Rozendaal, who died March 28, 1986. Ralph made profession of his faith at the Third reformed church in Pella, where he had been a faithful member all of his life.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 15, 1999 at the Third Reformed Church in Pella with rev. Donald Orange officiating. Mrs. Barb Nunnikhoven was the organist and Mrs. Lori Muller was the soloist. Honorary Bearers were fellow members of the Pella Lions Club. Casket Bearers were Robert Wichhart, Clarence Wichhar, Edward Keuning, Donald Blom, Donald Vander Schel, and Arvin Van Wyk. Interment was held at the Oakwood Cemetery. For those desiring, memorials may be designated for Hospice of Pella or the Faith Promise Building to serve Fund of the Third Reformed Church in Pella. ~ The Diamond Trail News, May 19, 1999