Dr. Ralph H. Burde, Jr., age 63, of Grand Rapids, entered Jesus’ presence on July 16, 2012. Ralph was born on January 14, 1949 to Ralph H. Burde, Sr. and Alice Burde, both of whom predeceased him. A faithful and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Ralph is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marylou (Dickman) Burde. He is also survived by his children, Michael and Jacqlyn Burde of Belding, Sara and Jacob Tibbe of Grand Rapids, and grandchildren Katherine and Marilyn Burde and Luke and Anna Tibbe. Ralph leaves three sisters to cherish his memory: Dr. Tom and Pat Davis, Barbara and Dave Dionne, and Mary and Alden Brookens. For over 30 years, Ralph was an accomplished educator with a passion for all students’ success. Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 18 at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 19 at Calvary Church, 707 E. Beltline NE, with Pastor Bruce Huseby officiating. The family wishes to thank the staff at Sunrise of Cascade for their compassionate and heartfelt care. Memorial contributions can be made in Ralph’s memory to the Newaygo Educational Advancement Foundation Ralph Burde Memorial (through the Fremont Area Community Foundation), the Calvary Church Benevolence Fund, and the Alzheimer’s Association-West Michigan Chapter. Envelopes will be available at the church and funeral home. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.
