Ralph Verschoor passed away at his home on July 31, 2016 with his family by his side. Ralph’s passions were golfing, going to Shorty’s to be with friends and family, going to his daughters’ homes for dinner but most of all being with his children, grandkids and great grandkids. He was an Army veteran of WWII in the Philippines and Japan as a combat medic and paratrooper for the 11th Airborne in the 503rd parachute infantry. After the war he moved to Escalon and lived there for 70 years. Ralph proudly served the community repairing autos in his business Ralph’s Garage for 43 years. He became the third mayor of Escalon and was one of the first city council members as well as one of the first directors on the Escalon Community Ambulance. He was a proud member of the Christian Reformed Church and a member of the Escalon American Legion and Ripon V.F.W.
He was at one time honored as Mr. & Mrs. Escalon with his late wife Alberdina. He continued to golf until two months before his leaving us, he loved his golfing buddies. Ralph was an amazing happy person that loved people and life. He had the biggest heart that anyone could ask for. Ralph was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and a great friend to many. Ralph lived life to the fullest every day. He loved to meet new people and make new friends.
Ralph is survived by his children: Gloria Abplanalp (Carl), Phil Verschoor, Karen Lucas (Kevin) and Joan Sneed (Alan); his grandchildren Paul Abplanalp (Maybelle), Rebecca Navaro (Mike), Eric Holmes (Lauren), Coby Cho (Jason), Kevin Lucas Jr (Stephanie), Jessica Lucas (Chris), Preston Stephens (Angela), Misty Arbuckle (Jake), Shella Sneed (Dustin); and great grandkids Kaylee, Kyle, Jessie, Marissa, Macy, Carson, Kendal, Anthany, Layla, Katlend, Kamdin, Johnathan, Maverick, Marcus, Gabrielle and Cheyenne; and his sister Gladys.
Ralph is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Alberdina, brother Simon, sisters Magdalina and Suzanne.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Deegan Funeral Chapels. Viewing will be Sunday, August 7 from noon to 3 p.m. with the service on Monday, August 8 at the Christian Reformed Church at 11 a.m., followed by a burial at Burwood Cemetery. Reception back at the Christian Reformed Church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Escalon Community Ambulance or the Escalon Christian Reformed Church.
The family would like to thank the women who made it possible to keep our father at home: Anna Mae Tilma, Fran Blom, Lena Gipson and Jayme Rupe, also his dear friend Gracie Sipma.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
August 3, 2016