Ralph Van Der Bos

Age 97, passed away at Rose Arbor on February 20, 2019. He was born in Manton, MI, the son of the late Ralph and Gracie Van Der Bos. In 1942 Ralph was drafted and served our country with honor during WWII until being discharged in 1945. He returned to Michigan and began a career with General Motors. During that time he was a member of the UAW. When not working, Ralph enjoyed being outdoors. He loved to garden, enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also liked to golf and bowl and was a member of many leagues. He also had fun working with model trains. He attended Portage First United Methodist Church. Above all Ralph loved his family and was a wonderful husband and father. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and did his best to be involved in their lives. Ralphs gentle smile and warmth will be missed by all who knew him. On September 24, 1955, he married the love of his life Charlotte (Di Piazza) Van Der Bos, who survives. He is also survived by three children, Michael (Cathy) Van Der Bos, Laurie (Terry) Van Der Bos and Tracy (William) Yancy; grandchildren, Logan and Kacey Van Der Bos, Amber (Mike) Dickson, Brandon (Samantha) Start, Curtis (Adrienne) Start and Courtney (Ryan) Start, Keith (Daniel) Yancy-Weston, Brooke (Jeff) McLean; many great-grandchildren; extended family and friends. He was also preceded in passing by a daughter, Robin Van Der Bos and five siblings. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, beginning at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Keith Treman officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 AM, one hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will be at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice, c/o the funeral home. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.