Ralph M. Van Hazinga, 82, of Tomahawk, WI, formerly of Kenosha, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, February 22nd, 2007, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Kenosha on August 5, 1924, he was the son of the late John and Rose (Van Bruggen) Van Hazinga. He was educated in local schools. After retiring, he and his wife moved to Tomahawk in 1991 to make their home. He was in the United States Army Signal Corp. entering the service on January 19, 1949, until his honorable discharge on January 18, 1950. On June 10, 1950, he married Lolita Grno at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Ralph was a pressman at the Kenosha Labor Paper for 49 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tomahawk, WI. Surviving are his wife, Lolita of Tomahawk; three sons, Mark (Pam) of Minneapolis, MN, Curt of Kenosha, and Robert (Liz) of Hartland, WI; two daughters, Jane Gentile of Albuquerque, NM, and Lynn Van Hazinga of Kenosha; his five grandchildren, Leah, Andrea, Rachel, Marci and Joel; and a sister-in-law, Amy Van Hazinga of Fitchburg, MA. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Andrew and John; and four sisters Margaret, Janet, Jessie and Ruth. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 25th, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Kenosha Achievement Center would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Gale Clapper (& Roger & Marion Wiersum)
When the sands of time take a loved one away,Find solace in the knowledge we are not here to stay.A loving soul passing through touching those he meets,Now waits with God at Heaven's gate for loved ones he will greet.For no one is forever lost or eternally neglected,Christ promised that our dear ones' souls are always resurrected.Your memories are with you and thus so is he.A life everlasting he has now come to be.All loneliness, hurt and pain are erased.Take comfort is knowing Ralph's with God in His place.Dear Lee,Please accept my poem and deep sympathy at the passing of your dear husband. My cousin, Melody Richter, phoned me last night after her husband read it in the paper. He used to work with Ralph at the newspaper. I will tell my mom & dad in person when I see them next week and when I can spend several hours distracting them afterward because I know it will hit them hard and their hearts will go out to you. Marion's pacemaker keeps her heart ticking. Please extend my condolences to Jane, Mark, Curt and other family members. May your faith provide comfort and reassurance, knowing that it is only a temporary parting and you will see Ralph again.I am sorry I couldn't attend the visitation, but my own husband just had surgery for cancer of the esophagus and I must change bandages for his incisions, administer medication four times a day and fix him six small meals.Matthew was with us until a few days after the operation before returning to school. Bob is having a painful and slow recovery. I understand your grief when watching a loved one suffer. May Christ grant you courage in coping with the absence of such a sweet soul. If you don't return north for the next several weeks, please let me know how Marion could contact you once I give her the news. We share happy memories. I will keep you in my prayers.With compassionate love from Gale Clapper & Roger & Marion Wiersum
Carol (DeLoria) Gentz
Dear Lolita,I am so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. I truly know what you are going through. Your family will always be there for you as mine is. I fondly remember our school years and our "club".My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.I will try to see you. I don't like to drive when the roads are bad. Love,Carol
Joyce Gyurina
Dear Lolita and family, Warmest thoughts and deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. I remember you and your husband when our children went to school together at St.Anthony. He will be sadly missed but will always remain close to your heart. God Bless you, Joyce Gyurina