Ralph E. Bytwerk's Obituary
Ralph Eugene Bytwerk, youngest child of Enno and Margaret (Middlecamp) Bytwerk, was born July 15, 1939, and welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, April 4, 2015. He worshipped and served at Fellowship Reformed Church, where his parents were Charter Members, for 75 years. Ralph served in the following roles: Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, singer in “The Fellowship Four”, “The Fellowship Singers”, choir and praise team, Youth Leader, Missionary to Uganda, Senior Ministries Leader, Kids’ Hope mentor and Small Group leader. Ralph is survived by his wife of 54 years, Merla; sister Bea Smith; children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Rhonda & Tom Bier and their children Lydia (Philip) Price, Grace (Brandon) Reed, Ellen Bier and Nathan Bier; Raymond & Tracy Bytwerk and their children, Corry (Julie) Bytwerk (Ashtyn Baker and Andrew Bytwerk), Nathaniel Bytwerk, Kaylea Bytwerk and Ryan Bytwerk; Rebecka Martz and her children Jamie (Anthony) Gallegos (Lyndon Gallegos), Kyle (Ashlee) Martz and Ethan Knoll. Ralph was employed at E.H. Sheldon Co. from 1957-1977, when the company closed its doors in Muskegon. He then began work at Meridian, Inc. as plant manager, retiring in June of 2000, as Director of Mfg. and Engineering. Ralph volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America; and enjoyed woodworking, golfing, hunting, camping, softball, volleyball and reading. VISITATION with Ralph’s family will be from 4:00-5:00PM Thursday, April 9, 2015, at Fellowship Reformed Church (4200 E. Apple Avenue). A MEMORIAL SERVICE will begin at 5:00PM Thursday, with the Rev. Mike VanKampen officiating. An additional time of Visitation and a Luncheon will follow the service. For those desiring to make an expression of sympathy, you are asked to consider Fellowship Reformed Church Missions. You are also invited to sign the family’s Online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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