Bill van Riet passed away peacefully on October 1,2026, at the age of 90. He was a lifelong learner, devoted husband, faithful Christian, generous volunteer, and endlessly curious traveler whose greatest joy was sharing life with his family.
Bill was born in Artesia, California to a father who had recently immigrated from the Netherlands and a Californian mother. The family, which included his two younger brothers, Gerrit Jr. and Alan, moved to Manteca to run a dairy farm, where Bill grew up milking cows and raising other animals. Farm life, along with his involvement in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, sparked a lifelong interest in agriculture and education. He attended schools in Manteca before enrolling at Modesto Junior College, then earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry from the University of California, Davis, and a master’s degree in Genetics from Oregon State University. He remained a loyal Aggie throughout his life.
After college graduation, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for three years as a food inspector. He then began a 33-year career with the Ag Extension branch of the University of California, first as a 4-H Youth Adviser, and later as a Livestock Farm Adviser serving Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. Drawing on his expertise in livestock production, pasture management, farm management, and energy conservation, he helped local producers apply university research to improve their operations. Colleagues and farmers alike respected his practical wisdom, integrity, and commitment to public service.
During his time in the Modesto UC Extension office, he met his wife, Barbara. The two had much in common and were married in September of 1967. A few years later, their first daughter Julie was born, and soon after, their second daughter, Christine Kay.
Nothing brought Bill greater happiness than his family. For more than 50 years, he and Barbara built a home filled with laughter, hospitality, and unwavering support. Bill embraced the joys of raising two daughters and delighted in watching them grow into adulthood. He also treasured every opportunity to spend time with his three grandchildren, Alex, Avery, and Ari. With grandpa, no day was quite complete without a crossword puzzle, and they quickly learned one of Grandpa Bill’s favorite rules: “Every well-dressed person carries a pocket knife.” Like so much of his advice, he emphasized being prepared, solving problems, and taking care of others. The family created decades of cherished memories at their cabin in Long Barn, including long walks and hikes, meals from the grill, afternoons at the lake, and simply being together in the Sierra Nevada.
An early retirement from the University gave Bill and Barbara the opportunity to travel the world, driven by curiosity and a shared sense of adventure. Wherever they went, he sought not simply landmarks but meaningful conversations, local history, and opportunities to learn from others. He and Barbara had a gift for turning fellow travelers into enduring friends, often planning future adventures together.
Bill’s faith remained the foundation of his life. A lifelong member of the Modesto Christian Reformed Church, he served in many roles over the years–including elder, youth leader, and missions volunteer. He also sang with Voices for the King, served on the Bethany Home Board of Directors, and participated in community service projects. He believed that a life well lived was measured not by recognition, but by loving God and others. Bill approached life with humility, curiosity, faith, a good sense of humor, and a genuine interest in people, whether in the pastures of the Central Valley, in his church, around the family dinner table, or while exploring a new corner of the world. Those who knew him will remember not only what he accomplished, but how he lived.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara; his daughters Julie (Loren) Asera and Christie (Tom) Ziegler; his grandchildren Alex Asera (Aidan Ramey), Avery Asera, and Ari Asera; and his brother Alan van Riet. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Alice van Riet, and brother Gerrit van Riet.
Celebration of Life Friday October 16, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Deegan’s Chapel 111 South Palm Avenue, Ripon. Reception to follow at Spring Creek Country Club, 1580 Spring Creek Drive Ripon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to California 4:H Foundation.
Manteca (Calif) Bulletin
Saturday, October 10, 2026
