Ralph G. Poelma

Obituary of Ralph G. Poelma Gaines: Ralph G. Poelma, age 98, died July 7, 2014 at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center in Brockport, NY. Born November 2, 1915 in Albion, N.Y., Ralph lived on the family farm for 93 years until entering assisted living and skilled nursing care in Brockport, N.Y. On April 17, 1943 he married Pearl Wemesfelder. They owned and operated Ralph Poelma Farms in Gaines until he retired at the age of 87. His diversified farming included fruits, vegetables and livestock. He graduated from Cornell University 2 year Agriculture Program.
A member of the Gaines Carlton Community Church for 85 years Ralph served as a Deacon, a Trustee, a member of four Pastoral Search Committees and was active in the Men's Fellowship. He received his church's first "Lay Person of the Year" award.
Ralph was an active member of the Albion Lions Club and was chairperson of the Speech and Hearing committee for 30 years. He received 2 Lions Club Awards for Distinguished Service and was Club President in 1984.
Especially proud of being a Red Cross Blood Donor, Ralph gave over 28 gallons spanning a period of about 75 years.
He was also a member of the Farm Bureau Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Cobblestone Society and the ProFac and Seneca Foods Cooperatives.
Ralph was known for being a hard working farmer, an astute businessman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a dear friend to many. Special interests included rides through the countryside, playing 500 and visiting with neighbors and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife, Pearl (Wemesfelder) Poelma; Parents, Gerrit and Jennie (Vink) Poelma; sister, Dorothy (Homer) Morrisey; brother, Royce (Patricia) Poelma. He is survived by his sons, Larry (Linda) Poelma of Cuba, NY, Linwood (Deborah) Poelma of E. Amherst, NY; 4 grandchildren, Jon (Josephine) Poelma, Joy (Paul) Bronkhorst, Zachary (Melanie) Poelma, Ashley (Kevin) Martin; 3 great-grandchildren, Maiya and Micah Bronkhorst, Landon Poelma.
Ralph's Graveside Service will be held at Mt. Albion Cemetery, Saturday July 12, at 11:00am. Following the Graveside Service, the family will receive friends at the Gaines Carlton Community Church, 14585 Ridge Rd. Albion, NY 14411, also on Saturday July 12, from 12:00-1:30, followed by his Memorial Service at 1:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gaines Carlton Community Church, Albion Lions Club, 72 Caroline St. Albion NY 14411 or the American Red Cross, 109 Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Visitation
Following the Graveside Service, the family will receive friends at the Gaines Carlton Community Church, 14585 Ridge Rd. Albion, NY 14411, also on Saturday July 12, from 12:00-1:30, followed by his Memorial Service at 1:30. Services
Following the Graveside Service, the family will receive friends at the Gaines Carlton Community Church, 14585 Ridge Rd. Albion, NY 14411, also on Saturday July 12, from 12:00-1:30, followed by his Memorial Service at 1:30. Interment
Ralph's Graveside Service will be held at Mt. Albion Cemetery, Saturday July 12, at 11:00am.