Ralph Hoksbergen

Ralph Eugene Hoksbergen was born to Cornie and Cora (Van Gorp) Hoksbergen on January 8, 1935, near Reasnor, Iowa. The Lord called him home on April 21,2022. Ralph attended country school near Harvey, Iowa, and graduated from Pella Christian High School in 1953. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from William Penn and his Master’s Degree from Drake University in Economics. He spent his career with the State of Iowa in the Workforce Development division where he worked as an Actuary with Governor Branstad and the legislature. In addition, he was an entrepreneur and developed several businesses. He met his wife, Lois Laymiller, at William Penn and they married in 1962, making their home near Alleman and then Ankeny where they continued to reside. They were blessed with three children – Jana Kray (Ed Stubbbs) and Laura Hickman, both of Phoenix, and Randy (Kallie) of Polk City.

He was a member of the Reformed Church of America, the Gideons, Fellowship of Christian Farmers, the Northside Senior Center, and the Elks Lodge. He liked to travel, fish, and play pool. He was competitive by nature and always loved about any game with friends or family.

Ralph was committed to serving the Lord by sharing the gospel with others and helping those in need. He was frugal but generous, strong in faith, and committed to his family. He had a passion for Christian education and helped build a Christian secondary school in Liberia and served as president of its board. He taught Bible studies throughout his life and constantly studied God’s Word to share with others. He leaves a legacy for his family and those who knew him to continue his passions and service to others.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Carleigh, Braden, Hailey, Aubree, Jaxon and Nick; his sister, Connie (Barry) Kane of Pella and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Christian Hickman; and son in law, Ed Kray.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday evening, April 26, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 9:30 a.m., at Prairie Ridge Church, 825 NW 36th Street, Ankeny, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.childrelieffoundationinc.org for funding operations and scholarships for the school in Liberia or to Pella Christian High School at www.pceagles.org or at 300 Eagle Lane, Pella Iowa 50219.

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