Ralph Vanderkolk 1932-2025

Ralph Vanderkolk, 92, of Circleville, passed away Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at The Pines in Holton.

He was born Sept. 1, 1932, in Lafayette, Ind., the son of Raymond and Martha (Halsema) Vanderkolk. 

Ralph graduated from Roosevelt High School in Keego Harbor, Mich. After graduation he served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force as a flight engineer. After retirement, Ralph held various jobs in the Jackson County area.

Ralph married Doris Vanderwall on June 3, 1956, in Soldier. They shared 33 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on Feb. 24, 1990. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Martha Vanderkolk; sisters, Shirley Avery and Linda Williams; brother, Richard Vanderkolk.

Survivors include three daughters, Renee Hernandez and Rhea Smith, both of Topeka, and Rita Keehn of Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.; six grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his best friend, Deloris Beam.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 14 in Soldier Cemetery, Soldier.

Memorials may be given to the Holton Hospital Foundation, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)