Ralph J. Venema's Obituary
Ralph J. Venema, age 89, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at home and went to his heavenly Home. He was born on January 10, 1927 to Roelf and Margaret (Holtrop) Venema in Fruitport Township. Ralph was a charter member of Fruitport Christian Reformed Church and had been a life resident of Fruitport. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and spent much of his time in Germany and France. Ralph worked at Fruitport Schools prior to his retirement in 1989 and before that had spent 32 years as a milkman for Farr View Dairy where he made many friends both at his work and on his milk route. Ralph loved God, his family, country, gardening, hunting and fishing. He was also a member of VFW-Fruitport - Polar Bear Post. On September 8, 1950 he married his wife Dorothy J. Dyer of 65 years and she survives him along with their children, Sharon Zapf, Barb (Michael) Beecham, Laura (Christopher) Gotaas all of Fruitport, Christine (David) Hughes of Valatie, New York, and Nancy (Steve) Walker of Nunica; daughter-in-law, Marge Venema of Fruitport; 29 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rhea (Robert) Teunis of Spring Lake and Wilma Pontius of Norton Shores. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ralph; grandchildren, Joshua Zapf, Bethany Churchill and Jayden Gotaas; sister, Carolyn Lipton; and son-in-law, Dave Zapf. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, June 20, 2016 at Fruitport Christian Reformed Church (3520 Pontaluna) with Rev. Jerry Postema officiating. VISITATION will be held 5 - 8PM on Sunday at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., 231-798-1100. Memorial Contributions in Ralph’s name to Fruitport CRC Christian Aid Fund. will be appreciated.
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