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1921 - 2008
Age: 86
RIDDERBOS, John E.
Of Gobles
John was born in Meeden, The Netherlands on October 17, 1921 the son of Jurjen and Grietje (Voogd) Ridderbos. He received his education in The Netherlands including a degree in accounting. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the Dutch Army. John drove truck professionally his entire working career, retiring from Louis Trucking in 1985. He enjoyed gentleman farming, was a Van Buren County 4-H Swine leader for two years, and a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church where he served on the consistory as an elder for 22 years. His hobbies were gardening, cooking, reading and spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On September 19, 1945 in Winschoten, The Netherlands, John was united in marriage to Emma Ann Bloem. John and Emma immigrated to the United States in 1947, moving to Chicago and later to Gobles.
Surviving are his spouse Emma and seven children and spouses: Grace A. Gustafson of Petoskey, MI, Jerry (Kim) Ridderbos of Portage, Elly Gray of Surprise, AZ, John (Dee Ann) Ridderbos, Jr. of Paw Paw, Marcia (Kirk) Ellwanger, of Byron Center, MI, Judy Ridderbos of Covert, Jim (Tracey) Ridderbos of Paw Paw.
Grandchildren: Nancy (Rick)Stetten, Karen (Mark) Johnson, Nicole Ridderbos, Erica Ridderbos, Doyle Waters, III, Tiffany Waters, John J. (Nicole)Ridderbos III, Ian D. Ridderbos, Jordan (Ashley) Ellwanger, Jessica Wood, Micah Ellwanger, Jillian RietKerk, Andrew RietKerk, Eric Evans Ridderbos, Justin Ridderbos, Everett Ridderbos.
Great-Grandchildren: Justin McGrew, Kathryn Stahlheber, Kristopher, Kaleb, Kelsey Waters, Dylon and Emma Waters, Alexander and Alyssa Ridderbos, Enid Ellwanger, Bret Wood, Cole Kamyszek, Aubryanna Walker.
Surviving brother Thomas (Ruth) Ridderbos of Grand Rapids, nieces, nephews and family in The Netherlands. Four sisters preceded him in death.
Family received friends Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Services were held Wednesday, 11 a.m. at Faith Chapel, Kalamazoo (7736 G Avenue, between 6th and 7th Street in Alamo Twp.) Rev. Steven Sytsma officiating. Interment at Austin Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan especially Michelle Dykstra and Lori Foss. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan. |
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There are currently 4 condolences.
Doodle & Virginia Griffin
vgriffin@pancanvolunteer.org
Thursday October 9, 2008 at
12:18 AM
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Dear Emma & family~I was privilaged to have met you & John at Grace's here in Texas, when Cecil brought me over at least 15 years ago. He spoke so often of all of y'all... how very much he felt part of the family, & I know for a fact he was so blessed to love & be loved by all of you. If my memeory's right, I believe Grace brought Emma & John to the first benefit we held after Cecil passed away, & it meant so much to us all.
Here we are working on the 7th one now... time goes too swiftly. It's hard when we lose a loved one, but so good to know they live on in our hearts & memories. And I have a feeling Cecil & John are sharing some good times, catching up on everything. Thank you for being part of our family, & allowing us to be part of yours. You all made sure Cecil knew how much you loved him...I cannot express to you how much it meant to him. As Cindy said, bless all of you, Emma, Grace, Jim, the others I cannot remember all of your names (happens when we get older!) & of course, Nancy & Karen... all of your wonderful family! You continue in our thoughts & prayers. Love, Virginia & Doodle Griffin
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Mark & Cindy Ford & Family
Monday August 25, 2008 at
2:08 PM
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Although we only met John once, we truly cared about both him and Emma and tried to infrequently keep in touch. Our brother Cecil loved them both very much and they were always so good to him. We are sorry for the family's loss, but know that John has gone to a better place. Bless you all, Emma, Grace, Jim, Nancy, and Karen and all the others, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Love to you all! The Ford Family
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Barb & Jeff Ver Sluis
baversluis@yahoo.com
Monday August 25, 2008 at
10:06 AM
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I am deeply saddened to hear of Dad Ridderbos's death. I have so many wonderful memories from a young girl hanging out at the farm all the way into adulthood. Dad and Mom Ridderbos opened their home to any and all who would enter in, and made them a part of their already large family (what was one more?). Though he could be intimidating at first, it wouldn't be long before he let his guard down, and exposed the loving, kind man he truly was, while at the same time, his presence alone commanded respect. When I didn't call him Dad, he was always Mr. Ridderbos to me - never John. He shared Jesus with me, his back row pew at Faith CRC during my infant years as a believer in Christ, stories of WWII, meeting the love of his life (Mom R), and so much more. He was never short on hugs, smiles or patience.
I heard a southern gospel song this morning that made me think of Dad Ridderbos and the celebration he is having right now in heaven:
"When I Get Carried Away"
"Well, I don't know why I become a little shy
When I get around a whole lot of people.
And I can't figure out why I never can shout
About the love that floods my soul.
I must confess I can't express the feelings deep inside me.
The things I know and cannot show one day will overflow.
I'm gonna let the glory roll when the roll is called in glory;
I'm gonna get beside of myself when I get beside the King that day;
I'm gonna have the time of my life when the time of my life is over;
I'm gonna get carried away when I get carried away.
I'll pass the clouds and I'll shout so loud
It may sound like thunder.
My tearful eyes may fill the skies till it looks like rain.
I'll leave this world, pass the gates of pearl
And stand before the Savior.
I'll let my soul and the glory roll when from the roll He calls my name."
I'm rejoicing with you, Mr. Ridderbos, as you have now finished the time of your life here on earth, and having the eternal time of your life with our wonderful Savior in heaven! I'll be looking for you to be part of my welcoming committee at the pearly gates someday, and will take just one more great big hug at that time as I, too, will finally meet Jesus face to face! I'll miss you while here on earth, but I'll see you again someday! Love, Barb (one of your many other "daughters")
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Eleanor & Al Nielsen
Sunday August 24, 2008 at
10:58 PM
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Dearest Emma and family,
During the past 3 years as director for the Lifelong Learners in Allegan, I have come to know and love you and John so very much.
I had so hoped that we could keep John in good health so that we could enjoy him at our gatherings.
What a gentle man! He will be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers are with you at this special time in your lives.
We love you,
Your friends, The Nielsens
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