Gerben Elgersma

Gerben was born Sept. 28, 1920, in rural Randolph, the son of Mel and Ella Bandsma Elgersma. Gerben was a lifelong Randolph area resident where he was a dairy farmer and also known for growing and selling vegetables. He was very social and he loved riding around in his truck, visiting with the local people. Gerben was easy going and had a great sense of humor. He was a lifelong devoted member of the First Reformed Church of Randolph, where as charter members his parents and grandparents were instrumental in organizing the church.

Gerben is survived by two daughters, Betty (Matthew) Murphy, Poynette and Esther (Harvey) Van Ruiswyk, Waupun; his son, Meldon (Velma) Elgersma, Pardeeville; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Mark Joel Van Ruiswyk; three sisters, Anna Kok, Emma Gerritsma and Gertie Alsum; and his brother, John Elgersma.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Reformed Church, 406 S. High St., Randolph, with the Rev. Tim Ehrhardt and the Rev. Ben Bruins officiating. Burial will follow in Randolph Cemetery. Gerben’s family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Randolph Community Funeral Home, 208 S. High St., and from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. hour of service Thursday at the church.

A memorial fund has been established in Gerben’s name.

Randolph Community Funeral Home is serving the family.