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Gerrit Van Reit Obituary
October 31, 1937 - April 25, 2025
Ripon, California - Gerrit van Riet
October 31, 1937 – April 25, 2025
Gerrit van Riet, 87, of Ripon, CA, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025. He was born on October 31, 1937, in Artesia, California, to Gerrit and Alice van Riet.
Gerrit graduated from Manteca High School and later attended Fresno State University. He proudly served in the National Guard before beginning his career. Gerrit was the longtime General Manager of De Boer Truck Lines, the family business based in Ripon, where he worked for many years before finishing his career at New Highway Carrier.
Gerrit met Judi - the love of his life. Their love story officially began then, and they were married on January 25, 1963. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage - true test faith, loyalty and love.
They were blessed with two children. Paul was born in 1966 and Carla soon after in 1968. The family resided on 1/4 acre on Frederick Rd. in Ripon.
A man of strong Christian faith, Gerrit was a devoted member of Calvary Reformed Church in Ripon, where he served faithfully as both a deacon and elder. Later in life, he and his wife joined Zion Church.
Gerrit was deeply committed to his community. He served on the Ripon Unified School Board for 17 years, the Ripon JC's and Rotary. He enjoyed Golf, Racquetball, swimming, and family camping trips.
Gerrit was a remarkable man whose life was a shining example of what it means to be a good husband, a devoted father, and a faithful christian. He led with quiet strength, loved with his whole heart, and lived out his faith in every action.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Judi van Riet; children Paul (Darla) van Riet and Carla De Jong (Rod); grandchildren Daniel van Riet (Kassie), Colton van Riet (Bailey), Kyle van Riet (Madison), Blake De Jong (Ashley), Alicia Winston (Matt), and Kaylee Bavaro (Paul); and 10 great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy. Two brothers William van Riet (Barbara) and Allan van Riet.
A graveside service will be held at Ripon Cemetery at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Zion Church in Ripon at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7th.
Gerrit will be remembered for his unwavering faith, quiet strength, and lifelong devotion to family and community.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries
Evie Vrieling
May 8, 2025
So very sorry to hear about his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Alice Van Der Laan
May 6, 2025
Oh Judi, I am so sorry to read this. May you and your family be comforted by precious memories and by your abiding faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Joe Swain
May 6, 2025
I had the pleasure of golfing with Gerrit and his friend Tom Wright at Spring Creek several times many years ago. Gerrit had a kind and giving Spirit, it was obvious he was a man of faith. Blessings to his family.
Joe Swain
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