Ralph Weerheim

Ralph Weerheim, age 88 of Rock Rapids, IA died Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at Christian Reformed Church in Rock Rapids with Rev. Cliff Hoekstra officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids, IA. Visitation will be Monday, April 12th, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Christian Reformed Church in Rock Rapids. Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids is in charge of services. Ralph Weerheim was born August 18, 1921 in Harrison, South Dakota, the son of Phil and Marie (Brands) Weerheim. He was raised on the family farm near Harrison and attended country school. Later his family moved to a farm north of Rock Rapids, IA. There he helped with the farm work until entering in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. During leave Ralph was united in marriage to Geneva DeBoer on August 21, 1945. Ralph continued serving his country during WWII and was honorably discharged after three years and four months. He returned back to Geneva where they lived near Rock Rapids, Sibley, Steen, and then returned back to Rock Rapids. Ralph farmed, raised livestock and was a hog buyer. After retiring, Ralph and Geneva moved to a home in Rock Rapids. He was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA, and the Rex Strait Post No. 103 American Legion in Rock Rapids, IA. He loved playing and watching the game of softball. He umpired for several years with his brother, Ed. Through the years Ralph enjoyed his trips to the sale barn, hauling livestock and spending time with his family. On October 8, 2005, Ralphs wife Geneva died, after 60 years of marriage. Ralph continued living in their home until this Saturday, April 10, 2010, when he died unexpectedly at the Sanford Hospital of Rock Rapids. Ralph is survived by five children, Marilyn (Larry) Reck of Rock Rapids, Bev (Evan) Sneller of Hazel Run, MN, Bob (Cheryl) Weerheim of Harrisburg, SD, Ronda (Steve) Arends of Little Rock, IA, and Pat Weerheim of Luverne, MN; nine grandchildren, Kris (Blain) Andera, Tim (Kristen) Reck, Angie (Travis) Tjaden, Robb (Jen) Sneller, Matt (Erin) Weerheim, Tom Weerheim, Ryan (Kricket) Arends, Randy (Misty) Arends, and Sara (fianc, Andrew) Arends; thirteen great-grandchildren, Miranda and Cullen Andera, Gabby and Emma Reck, Taryn and Grady Tjaden, Bryce and Bayli Sneller, Reese Weerheim, Payton Arends, Kiersten, Nathan and Talon Arends; two brothers, Mike (Francis) Weerheim of Rock Rapids and Richard Weerheim, a sister, Johanna Dyk both of Platte, S.D; two sisters-in-law, Arlo Weerheim of Rock Rapids and Christina Vonk of Sioux Center, IA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Weerheim; a great-grandchild, Megan Tjaden; parents, three brothers, Phil Weerheim, Arthur Weerheim and Ed Weerheim; and two sisters, Josephine Ringling and Catherine Van Den Bos. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.