Hilda Dekker Gaalswyk, age 93, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 9, 2025. She was born on December 9, 1931, in Hartley, Iowa, to John and Catherina Dekker. Hilda lived in California for 83 years and in Idaho for the past 3 years.

   On July 25, 1952, Hilda married the love of her life, Marinus Gaalswyk. Together they welcomed two children, Donald Lee in 1953 and Ruth Ann in 1956. Hilda and Marinus shared 59 and a half wonderful years of marriage before Marinus passed away in 2012.

   Hilda is survived by her children, Don (Dianna) Gaalswyk and Ruth (Jim) Van Groningen; her grandchildren, Deb (Tim) Reeves, Donny (Sarah) Gaalswyk, Darlene (Russ) Isaak, Denise (David) Silva, Rebecca (Jason) Gilbert, Rachel (Joey) Smith, and Jordan (Hayley) Van Groningen; and her great-grandchildren, Alicia (Spencer) Miller, Hannah, Daniel, and Nicolas Gaalswyk, Kole, Emily, and Lee Kuyper, Averee, Austin, Andrew, and Arthur Silva, Salien Gilbert, Jaxon and Jameson Smith, and Oaklee and Knox Van Groningen. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Norma Dekker, Bubs Dekker, Lavina Dekker, and Liz Blom.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Marinus; sisters, Fem and Corky; brothers, Nick, Pete, John, and Richard; and her grandson, Brandon Easterday.

   Christian education was very important to Hilda, a graduate of Bellflower Christian School. In her honor, donations may be made to any Christian school of your choice.

Services:

   A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, November 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Ripon Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life service and lunch will follow at Zion United Reformed Church on Canal Boulevard in Ripon.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Friday, November 21, 2025