Ralph L. Haan Jr., age 82, of Jenison, was translated to glory on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph L. and Jessie Haan; sister, Marilyn Rotman; brother, Russell Haan; and brother-in-law, Carl Hulst. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Carol (Bouma); children, Stephen and Carol Haan, Joy and James Noe’, Ellen and Tim VanderPloeg, Laurie Haan; grandchildren, Ethan and Cassidy Haan, Elliott Haan, Ben and Stephanie Noe’, Sarah Noe’, Joshua Noe’, Nick, Katie, Jacob, and Lucas VanderPloeg; three great-granddaughters, Esther, Keira, and Ivy Noe’; siblings, Warren and Virginia Haan, Jan and Fred Billin, Cheryl and Donley DeGroot, Marcia and Fred Hulst; sister-in-law, Betty Haan; brother-in-law, Nelson and Kay Rotman; several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Due to the current environment of our world and country, private family services are being held. A celebration of life service is tentatively planned for Saturday, May 23, 2020. Details will be published at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to Baldwin Street CRC Mission Fund or to Brookcrest Nursing Home.
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September 14, 2021 9:22am
I just read about Ralph-you are all in our thoughts and prayers-what a day of rejoicing for him.We will see him again some day when God calls us home.Lovingly Ken and Pat 7'sma Diekevers
- Patricia 7'sma Diekevers
July 20, 2020 8:06am
My sympathies to the family. I knew Ralph first through the school librarians conference (MAME) in Michigan and then through Herrick Library. Ralph was always friendly and caring, and fun to be around. He is missed.
- Cynthia Kleinheksel
March 26, 2020 7:14pm
A remarkable servant no longer is with us in person, yet his memory lives on. I was blessed to be one of his students at JCS. He was an encouraging and gifted teacher who deeply cared for his students. Carol, praying for you and your family. May God surround you with His loving comfort.
- Patricia Woltjer Beelen
March 21, 2020 5:41pm
Dear Carol and family,
You'll never know what a joy it was to sit with you and Ralph in worship at Brookcrest earlier this month. I was looking forward to singing with my sixth grade teacher again. Though there were no longer spoken words, just have one last opportunity to join our voices in harmony with always be cherished. I now look forward to singing with him on that great reunion day.
- Evan Cuperus
March 21, 2020 6:36am
Our love and sympathy to all of you at this very sad time. We loved Ralph and always will remember his laugh whenever we saw him at BrookCrest. He always waved at us when we left to go home. He was very special to so many! We have many fond memories of the days of softball with the girls. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
- Bob and Pat Pyper
March 20, 2020 9:27am
Our love and sympathy dear Carol and your love one,s. We can,t believe Ralph died. We will always remember him as he was our great genealogy friend since the 70,s Well Carol we wish you His Mercy and strenght for the future.along with your lovely children.
- Anneke & Willem Kappe
March 20, 2020 9:09am
Jan, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear brother, especially at this time when it isn’t even possible for friends to gather around you to hug and support you. I hope you can feel our prayers and be encouraged by these notes. May the peace and comfort of God surround you and your family. Love and prayers. —Pastor Susan
- Susan LaClear
March 20, 2020 7:56am
I was so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. I worked with him for many years at the Herrick District Library. I always enjoyed Ralph - his ready smile and his great manner with patrons. I was always so glad to have a genealogist like Ralph that I could refer patrons to. He was so knowledgeable about genealogy, especially Dutch genealogy. My sympathies go out to the family and I pray for comfort and healing.
- Diane Corradini
March 20, 2020 7:24am
I have many fond memories of Ralph. I was the head library aid, class of 1967. When our daughters were st CCH, I screened books that were donated to the library for him. (There were many that were not appropriate for a Christian school). The whole Haan family has been in my life since I was a little girl. Mom shopped Haan's at Hancock & Kalamazoo; my first job was at Haan's on 36th Street; from there 4 of us cleaned our Haan's on Grandville Ave. And then the Haan's that taught at CCH. Many condolences to you all. His was a life well lived.
- Nancy Dekkinga Faasse
March 20, 2020 7:02am
Dear family of Ralph Haan , I send my sympathy to you in the passing of Ralph. I worked with Ralph at Herrick District Library from 1989 - to when he retired . I valued his expertise in genealogy as I worked on my own genealogy and then later worked in his department. He made the genealogy department what it was by his diligence in collecting stories, genealogies and history both locally and from Dutch communities in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and the Dakotas to mention a few. He had a vision of building a Dutch genealogy collection to encompass all of the places that the Dutch emigrated to - sadly he was not able to reach that goal. He also had a heart for people - he helped people and was kind. He fulfilled his dream of missionary work by going to China to teach and to share his Christian belief. A good, righteous man who lived his beliefs. Blessings to all of you.
- Delaney Ann Prins
March 19, 2020 7:25pm
My prayers to the family. Ralph was my high school librarian and later my genealogy mentor at Herrick. I will always remember his enthusiasm.
- Chris Penning
March 19, 2020 5:49am
Don and I just wanted to express our sincere sympathy to you and the kids and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Though we will not be there tomorrow we will be remembering him with love as his sister.
- Cheryl DeGroot
March 18, 2020 4:50pm
My love and sympathy, dear Carol and family. You are all in my prayers. Mary TerKeurst
- Mary TerKeurst
