In loving memory of

Donald Adrian Ryerkerk
April 21, 1926 - November 25, 2017

Donald Adrian Ryerkerk, age 91 of Pleasant Hill, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2017, at Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Crossroads Fellowship in West Des Moines. Burial for Donald and his son Steven will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Waveland Cemetery in Prairie City. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
The son of John and Jennie (Nugteren) Ryerkerk, Donald was born on April 21, 1926, in rural Prairie City. He graduated from Prairie City High School and later earned his Bachelor and Master's degree from Iowa State University. Don served in the United States Army during the Korean War. On June 10, 1953, he was united in marriage to Joan Plate at the Prairie City Christian Reformed Church. Don taught in the Mason City School District for many years, was the Director of Adult Education at North Iowa Community College and served as the Director of The North Iowa Area Agency on Aging. He grew up in the Prairie City Christian Reformed Church; was a founding member of the Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church in Mason City and was most recently attending Crossroads Reformed Church in West Des Moines. Don was an avid reader, enjoyed woodworking, fishing and traveling.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Joan; four children, Douglas (Cheryl) Ryerkerk, Carol (Ray) Powell, David (Patricia) Ryerkerk and Lori (Carl Griffith) Ryerkerk; 10 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Pol and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, a son, Steven; three sisters, Wilma, Lena, Bertha; and a brother Ray.

Tributes

Donell Doering wrote on Nov 28, 2017:

"I was saddened to hear of Don's death. Many memories of his time at Elderbridge. Please accept my sympathy for your loss."

Gail Bailey and Samir El Sayed wrote on Nov 27, 2017:

"With deepest sympathy for your loss."

Gail Bailey and Samir El Sayed wrote on Nov 27, 2017:

"To the Ryerkerk family, with deepest sympathy for your loss. "

Lois DeWaard wrote on Nov 26, 2017:

"My deepest sympathy to Joan and other family members. Lois Ryerkerk DeWaard "

Bob and Eunice Keuning wrote on Nov 26, 2017:

"Joan and family, please accept our prayers for peace and strength. Don will be remembered for his thoughtful and caring life."