Inger de Ridder

Inger de Ridder, age 92, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025. She was born on September 17, 1933, in Nieuwendam, Netherlands, to Willem and Agatha Bruijns. Inger’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and deep faith.

In 1951, Inger married her beloved husband, Erich de Ridder. Together, they began a remarkable journey, immigrating first from the Netherlands to Canada and later settling in Wisconsin. Throughout their marriage, Inger and Erich shared many joyful years, enjoying travel and opening their home to friends, creating lasting memories for all who knew them.

Inger is survived by her children: Marcel de Ridder (Sandy Heim), Jolanda de Ridder (Bram Donkers) and Karin Grohman (Rick Grohman) along with grandchildren and great grandchildren that dearly loved her.

Inger was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Erich de Ridder, whom she often described as the love of her life.

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Inger dedicated her life to her Heavenly Father and friend Jehovah on December 30, 1961. She found immense comfort in sharing her Bible-based beliefs, often referencing her favorite scriptures—Isaiah 41:10, 13 and 1 Corinthians 13—which beautifully express the meaning of love.

Despite enduring two hip surgeries and many difficult days, she remained steadfast in her faith, taking every opportunity to share messages of hope. Her well-worn Bible reflected years of study, and the promises within gave her unwavering hope for life eternal on a restored paradise earth. Psalms 37:10,11, 29 and Revelation 21:4

Though raising her children was a priority she was quite talented at tailoring, sewing and knitting. Her precision with knitting provided beautiful baby outfits. She also delighted in gardening, tending flowers, and walking in the woods and camping with family and friends. She loved spending time with Erich planting big gardens while they lived in Waupaca WI. She also loved opera and classical music and possessed a lovely singing voice that she shared with others, especially with her local congregation.

Inger’s sparkling blue eyes, Dutch accent, and lilting voice left a lasting impression. Her warm embrace, gentle touch, and signature kisses made everyone feel at home. Children and staff at Care Partners affectionately called her “Oma.” Known for her compassion, she had a special affection for children and a gift for making everyone feel valued.

One family member fondly recalls, “Oma had a way of making you feel like the most special person in the room. Whenever we visited, she would greet us with arms wide open and say, ‘Come here, let Oma give you a kiss!’—and no one ever left without one. Her kindness was so genuine that even those who met her only briefly, felt like family.”

Even in her later years, when she could no longer drive, Oma’s thoughtfulness shone through. After being dropped off from a gathering or appointment, she would stand at the window or door, waving goodbye with that familiar smile until you were completely out of sight—a simple gesture that spoke volumes about her enduring love and care. In fact, right down to her death bed she was still thinking of others. She would try to ask in a strained voice “how are you?” and “I love you”. Gracious to the very last time that she could still speak.

Inger spent her final two and a half years at Care Partners in Appleton WI., where she was surrounded by the kindness of dedicated staff. Her family extends heartfelt appreciation to everyone at Care Partners for their compassion, and special gratitude to Melissa and Jasmine from St. Croix Hospice for their loving care. Karin would also like to extend special gratitude to the Appleton Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses for their unwavering support, the visits, the calls and many opportunities they made to make sure Inger felt their love by sitting with her, sharing a treat, bringing flowers and sharing an encouraging scripture and prayer.

In lieu of a memorial service, the family will hold a private gathering to honor Inger’s memory. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her faith, warmth, and unconditional love.