Ralph VerBeek

Ralph, a beloved Husband, Father, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Friend, and so much more to anyone he met, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ, Tuesday November 3, 2020. He was born on August 24th, 1941 in Blije, Netherlands to Otte and Freda VerBeek. He, along with his family were able to come to the United States in April of 1956. Ralph signed up for the Navy Reserves, where he was later honorably discharged. Ralph then married his adored wife, Doris Daling on October 23, 1964. He cherished her and every year they shared together. Ralph loved his family. He was a devoted Christian, who loved God, and made sure to make Him the center of his family. If he wasn’t with his family, you would find him driving Semi for Holland Motor for 38 years, hobby farming, raising cows, helping haul corn for his father-in-law, or bailing hay. In his later years, you would find him camping or cherishing every moment he could catching some Arizona sunshine every winter. Ralph leaves behind his wife, Doris. As well as his daughter Lora (Albert) Dykstra, and son Jeff (Darla) VerBeek. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren: Devon VerBeek (Victoria Jarvie,) Nicholas (Kelly) Dykstra, Austin (Monica) VerBeek, Alisha Dykstra, Douglas (Katie) VerBeek, (Jacob) Rachel Pugh, (Mike) Danielle Emelander; and 8 great grandchildren. His brothers and sisters: (Alice) VerBeek, Grace (Erwin) Heyboer, Perry (Carol) VerBeek, Renz (Jenith) VerBeek, Pete (Terri) Verbeek, Andy (Mary Jane) VerBeek, and Mary Ouwinga. His Brother in Law, Mart (Ann) Daling, and sister in law, Jane (Mark) VanDriel as well as many nieces and nephews. Ralph is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Otte and Freda VerBeek, as well as his brother Theo VerBeek. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11 AM at Westend Christian Reformed Church, (1015 Westend Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). (masks and social distancing required). Friends are invited to visit with his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, (2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) on Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 6-8 PM and for one hour prior to the service at Church. (masks and social distancing required). For those who wish, memorial contributions to the either the Westside Christian School (955 Westend Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) or the Edison Christian Health Center (1000 Edison Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) are appreciated. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read Ralph’s life story, submit a favorite memory, photo or to sign the guestbook online.