Ralph J. Bouwman's Obituary
Ralph Bouwman, age 66, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on August 15, 2025, after a heroic battle with cancer. Born May 2, 1959, Ralph graduated from Muskegon High School, served as a medic in the Army, and worked at Eagle Ottawa Leather Company until a work accident disabled him. After multiple surgeries, Ralph was able to work as a custodian for North Muskegon Schools until he was totally disabled. Ralph's love for fishing and hunting kept the freezer full and provided walleye for the fish fries that brought family and friends together and made it hard to enjoy fish cooked by anyone else! Hikes in the woods, blueberry picking, boat trips, fishing trips to Lake Erie, and countless ice cream endeavors all made fantastic memories for his children and grandchildren to cherish. Ralph loved attending all of the kids' sporting events and had them all target practicing with a bow off the back deck at a young age. Special thanks to best friend Steve Contreras for helping with all Ralph’s chores and projects while providing lots of laughs, to son-in-law Nick Faino for helping him make a family garden this summer so the grandbabies will know how to provide fresh food, and to nephew Joe Martin for accompanying the final fishing outing! Ralph is survived by his daughters: Nicole (Nick) Faino, Julie Bouwman, Abigail Bouwman, Hannah (Nick Noordyke) Bouwman; grandchildren: Jayden Hunt and Vincenzo Faino; sister, Brenda (Dale) Martin; brothers: Dick (Mary) Bouwman, Glenn Bouwman, and Brian Bouwman; nieces and nephews; and many cousins. Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Bouwman, father, Robert Bouwman, brother, Donald Bouwman, and sister Anna Slater. A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held 11:00 AM Friday, October 3, 2025, at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Thursday, October 2, 2025, and also one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place in Fort Custer National Cemetery. MEMORIALS to the Harbor Hospice Foundation will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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