Ronald “Ron” Riepma

Sheldon, Iowa

Ronald “Ron” Riepma, 65, of Sheldon, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, May 15, 2026, at Bethel Reformed Church in Sheldon with Rev. Dave Van Kley, officiating.

Burial will be at East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon.

Visitation will be after 4 P.M. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, with family present from 5 to 7 P.M. at Bethel Reformed Church in Sheldon.

Arrangements are under the care of the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

RONALD “RON” E. RIEPMA

BORN

August 8, 1960

Sheldon, Iowa

PASSED AWAY

May 8, 2026

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

10:30A.M. Friday, May 15, 2026

Bethel Reformed Church; Sheldon, Iowa

CLERGY

Pastor Dave Van Kley – Officiating

Sermon text: 2nd Corinthians 4:8-18

EULOGIST

Alisha Riepma

MUSIC

Men’s Trio: Gene Bomgaars, Jake Ven Huizen, Brian Tutje

“Give Me Jesus”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS

“Holy Forever”

“Christ Our Hope In Life And Death”

“Thank You Jesus For The Blood”

Led by Bethel Reformed Praise Team

Pianist- Ken Ven Huizen

CASKET BEARERS

Justin Riepma Alisha Riepma

Sammy Riepma Lauralie Millikan

Steve Watkins Andrew Lukkes

FINAL RESTING PLACE

East Lawn Cemetery

Sheldon, Iowa

After the graveside service friends and relatives are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall of the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the

Vander Ploeg Funeral Home, Sheldon, Iowa.

Ronald Riepma was born on August 8, 1960 in Sheldon, IA to his parents Edward and Nellie Riepma. Ron was very active in the school band and choir. He went to All-State for choral performance for four years.

Ron graduated from Sheldon High School in 1978. After high school, he spent most of his adult life working for Sioux County as a heavy equipment operator and eventually, foreman. He also drove semi-trucks for Van Wyk’s. He retired from the County in 2025 and continued working a few days a week for Van Wyk’s. He enjoyed driving big machinery and the open road.

He married Jackie Riepma (Watkins) in 1988 in Sheldon. Ron and Jackie lived on the Riepma Ranch in Boyden, IA. He enjoyed working on the Ranch and renovating the house. In his free time, he also enjoyed horseback riding, riding the three-wheeler, dirtbike and going on motorcycle rides.

Ron was a very active and faithful man of God. He was active at his home church, Bethel Reformed, as a youth sponsor, consistory member, praise team leader, vocal and bell choir members and other Bethel activities throughout the years. Ron was impacted by Cursillo (a men’s retreat hosted at Inspiration Hills) and volunteered many years at T.E.C. (Teens Encounter Christ). Ron also volunteered on many mission trips.

Ron was always very supportive and loved his children very much. Ron adored his grandson. Ron loved his friends and community. Ron will be missed and survived by his wife, Jackie Riepma, daughter, Alisha Riepma (Lachlan - grandson), son, Justin Riepma (Sammy - daughter-in-law). Three older sisters, Barbara Fagley, Lyla (Darrell) Allgaier, Lauralie (Rick) Millikan and many siblings-in-law. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Nellie Riepma. Ron will be dearly missed by all who loved him.