Robert Van Spronsen

1937 - 2025

Robert C. Van Spronsen passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2025 into the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Bob as he was known ,was born on Jan 8, 1937 in San Jose, CA, the oldest of four children, and spent his early years in Sunnyvale before his family moved to Ripon in 1944. He attended Ripon Christian Schools and graduated from high school there. From a young age, he stood out-riding horses to school, getting his license at 14, working daily, and giving his grandpa rides around town on his motorcycle. Raising Turkeys was a big part of his life for over 6 yrs during his youth, where he made enough money to buy a new 1955 Ford car at 18 yrs. Post high school he had many jobs. A welder for a time, doing commercial tractor work in the area, bulldozing, discing and land leveling all while attending Modesto Junior college. Then one day he decided he wanted to attend Calvin College in Grand Rapids Mich.

A graduate of Calvin College, he met his wife, Joan Hoogewind, at Calvin, and they were married in Grand Rapids, MI, in 1961-celebrating 64 years this past June. They were blessed with four children.

An educator by training, Bob began his career at Allendale Christian Schools as a teacher and then served as vice-principal before returning to his native California, where he answered a new career calling in farming. Farming Walnuts Cherries Almonds and Cling Peaches. There he became a successful and respected agribusiness grower, serving as president of BV Farms. He served as board president of Pacific Island Ministries, supporting the spread of the gospel in practical ways-raising funds and sending tractors and containers of supplies. He gave leadership to his churches and to Christian educational institutions.

Bob was an active member of Shelter Cove Community Church and a charter member of Immanuel Christian Reformed Church. Bob enjoyed going to new places. He visited Australia, Europe and England, Crazy Horse monument S.D., many times and his last major trip was to the Holy Lands to walk where his Lord and Savior walked. Bob could never sit still, always doing something.

Bob was the beloved husband of Joan Van Spronsen, nee Hoogewind; loving father of David (Kathy) Van Spronsen, Sheri (Robert) Van Spronsen Leppink, and Thomas (Eden) Van Spronsen; devoted grandfather (Opa) of James (Gabrielle) Van Spronsen, Kimberly (Grant) Gambrall, Kelly (Brian) Scharbach, and Mark Van Spronsen, Chloe and Phoebe Leppink, Calera, Elisha, Andrew and Katelyn Van Spronsen. Loving great Opa of Katie, Adeline, Evelyn Van Spronsen, Aurelia and Sienna Grambrall, and Karl and Audry Scharbach.

Fond brother of Betty Van Till, Gerald (Hendrina) Van Spronsen, and Norman (Nancy) Van Spronsen. He was a dearly loved uncle to his many nieces and nephews and will be remembered as a trusted friend and confidant to a wide circle of family, employees, and friends.

Predeceased by his infant brother Richard, son Kenneth J. Van Spronsen, parents Arthur and Elizabeth (Betty) Van Spronsen, brother-in-law Howard Van Till, brother-in-law Edward Decker and sister-in-law Mary Jane Hoogewind.

Bob will be remembered as a remarkable man whose life was a shining example of faith, love, and devotion-as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He lived with boundless enthusiasm and delighted in God's creation-whether hiking in Yosemite, exploring the national parks, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Known as a sparkplug of energy-always ready with a cheerful "let's go!"-he brought joy, strength, and a contagious spirit wherever he went.

His children will remember the strength of his faith, his unwavering love, his steadfast integrity, and his constant, unconditional care. His grandchildren will remember his playful spirit, his deep love, and the joy he brought to every moment, along with his continuous encouragement and faith in their ability to succeed. He was truly "the Opa of all Opas." His employees will remember him as kind, affirming, and encouraging-a leader who inspired confidence and helped others grow by developing new skills.

A lifelong learner, Bob believed in the power of education, hard work, and service, leaving behind a legacy that continues to bless and inspire all who knew him.

Graveside service Sept 26 viewing at Deegans funeral home 111 Palm St., Ripon, CA from 10 a.m. to noon Graveside service at 1 p.m. Ripon Cemetery.

Celebration of life Oct 24 Shelter Cove Community Church Modesto, CA., 11 a.m. Food and Refreshments to follow the service.

Memorials to Ripon Christian Schools (435 Maple Avenue, Ripon, CA 95366) and to the Kenneth J. Van Spronsen Memorial Scholarship Fund at Calvin University (3201 Burton St., SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546).