Ralph W. Bronkema

Dear Annette, May God be with you in a very special way and comfort you as only he can. I grieve with you and will miss Ralph. I also rejoice with you, that God has completed his purposes in Ralph’s life, and one day, by his grace and in his time, you (and I) will likewise be welcomed with our Savior’s wonderful greeting, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master.” I pray that you will experience His working, and His presence, and His love, “far better than all we can ask or think.” Russ Van Antwerpen

- Russ Van Antwerpen

Annette, we offer your our sympathy and God's peace and comfort.

- Cal & Carolyn Struck

Ralph was steady and thoughtful. He was a great colleague. I feel respect and love for him whenever I think of him.

- Jeff Wood

Uncle Don travelled far and wide and I never did, but I've got the souvenirs he provided and the memories he shared. He and Aunt Louise became our surrogate parents when they moved to Sioux Falls the same year our parents moved to Washington. We celebrated holidays with them at church, at their home with the beautiful dining room, and at the parks. Several years later they came back from Florida so he could officiate at our daughter, Lora's wedding - during a wild wind and pounding rain storm that knocked out all of Hull's electricity except for the block of the church, and threatened to blow over the reception tent set up for 300 guests. But Uncle Don donned his cool and calm authoritative manner, kept a flashlight handy in his pocket and proceeded as if he were in control. He wasn't, but he relied on the One who was and it became a most beautiful, memorable occasion. Another of my best memories will always be the cruise he and Annette talked us into taking with them. We had never been on one before and have not been since, nor will we. They were the perfect shipmates - calmly talked John out of being seasick, joined us for dining and more activities than we thought we would do and showed us the best ways to explore the ports of call. And ever after they were Sir Ralph and Miss Annette. His sense of humor sprinkled every conversation with condiments but he gave away the surprise factor by the preceding smirk in his eyes. His mannerisms were precise and military. I remember hearing that even as a child in a high chair he made it very clear that one item of food could in no way touch another. He and Aunt Louise and later he and Miss Annette often stayed at our home on their trips to and from Montana to see Pam. He truly gave me many moments to remember about him and made a difference in my life. Love always, from your niece Pat and from John, too, of course.

- Patricia Ann Haveman

What a wonderful family -- we grieve with you, and know you will come together in strength as you face your loss together.

- Dan and Mimi

Uncle Don was a wonderful part of our family, and we were honored to have him perform our wedding ceremony in 2015.

- David Rosenfeld

He lived the good Faith and shared it with many. He now rests in the assurance of that Faith and may it sustain you in these hours. He was a good man, I loved him so, he was a good friend in a ministry we shared to a people we loved..

- ROY McCORMICK