Wildschut, Ralph (1914-1998) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Ralph Wildschut was born October 9, 1914 in Gaastmeer, Friesland, Netherlands. The Wildschut family immigrated to the United States in 1924, and settled in Zeeland, Michigan. Wildschut felt the call to pursue a career in ministry. He entered Calvin College and then the Theological Seminary. He graduated from the Seminary with a Th.B. in 1943. His first call came from the congregation of Sullivan, Michigan. He served the church until 1946, where he accepted a new position in Alberta, Canada. The same year, Wildschut married Stella De Jonge, and together they served the Dutch immigrants of Granum and Burdett. Since Wildschut was a foreigner himself, he knew the challenges that faced these immigrants in their new homeland.

Rev. Wildschut went on to serve several more congregations: Prosper, Michigan, 1950-53; Springdale, Ontario, Canada, 1953-59; Bethel, Lansing, Illinois, 1959-1966; and Goshen, New York, 1966-80. In 1980 Rev. Wildschut reached retirement. During retirement, Wildschut continued to do God's work by working with alcoholics towards their recovery. Rev. Ralph Wildschut passed away on November 2, 1998 in Middletown, New York.