March 1, 1944 – September 1, 2021

John Van Ruler, a beloved brother, father, and grandfather died at the age of 77 on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, at his home in Salida, Calif.

A private graveside service was held at 10 a.m. at the Ripon Cemetery on Thursday, Sept. 9. The service was at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9, at Calvary Reformed Church in Ripon, Calif.

Born March 1, 1944, in Cameron, Minn., he was the son of John and Gertie Van Ruler. He was married to Reona Netjes for 57 years. Reona survives John, along with their three sons, John (Wadean) Van Ruler, Hilmar, Calif., Brent (Beverly) Van Ruler, Newman, Calif., and Calvin (Tricia) Van Ruler, Salinas, Calif; and five grandchildren.

At a young age, he moved with Reona from Minnesota to California. In California, John had many occupations before picking up almond farming and starting Van Ruler Orchards. John has farmed almonds for many years in Salida. Van Ruler Orchards continues to be run and operated by two of John’s three sons. John was a hard worker who loved tending to his orchards and faithfully had coffee with his friends and farming buddies every morning. Some of his hobbies included tractor pulling, NASCAR, and taking cross country road trips in his RV. He was a member of Calvary Reformed Church.

Also surviving John are his eight brothers: Howard (Dorothy) Van Ruler, Waukon, Iowa, Glenn (Terri) Van Ruler, Escalon, Calif., Marlin (Joyce) Van Ruler, Sioux Falls, S.D., Ron (Lynda) Van Ruler, Hills, Minn., Larry Dale, Colorado Springs, Colo., Will (Pam) Van Ruler, Turlock, Calif., and Dennis Van Ruler, Sioux Falls; three sisters, Donna Honken, Luverne, Minn., Edna (Merlyn) Buys, Luverne, Minn., and Nancy (Vern) Van De Berg, Luverne, and numerous nieces and nephews.

John is preceded by both of his parents, John and Gertie Van Ruler, and his infant sister Nancy.