Gradus Verrips, 95, of Sioux Center, died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005, at the Sioux Center Community Hospital.

Gradus Henry Verrips was born Feb. 17, 1909, to Jacob and Jennie (De Zeeuw) Verrips at their home in Middleburg. He attended country school until the family moved to Sioux Center where Gradus, at the age of 18, joined his father working at the Verrips Blacksmith Shop.

Gradus married Josephine Abma of Springfield, S.D., on Feb. 23, 1939, in Sioux Center where they made their home. In 1941, Gradus took over the family business renaming it Verrips Welding Service. He continued the business until 1976 when he sold it to the Sioux Center CO-OP. At that time he began working part-time at Sioux Automation of Sioux Center. He continued to work there until his retirement in 1989.

Gradus was a member of Central Reformed Church and served many years as a church elder. He was known for freely sharing his Christian faith, his positive attitude, and his infectious sense of humor. He enjoyed visiting with people in the nursing home and hospital; he was fond of being outdoors, and he spent hours on walks or riding his bicycle.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Josephine, of Sioux Center; two children and their spouses: Thorval and Pat Verrips of Woodward, and Janice and Gary Mishler of Le Mars; seven grandchildren and spouses: Wendi and Mat Peterson of Woodward, Evan Verrips of Woodward, Becky Verrips of Woodward, Kim and Kirk Holzman of Le Mars, Sherry Wielenga of Remsen, Amy and Rick Hicks of Sioux City and Krista and Branden Gramlow of Le Mars; Nine great-grandchildren: Kyle Wielenga, Cory Hicks, Mikayla Bebout, Tyler Holzman, Jasmine Nacke, Haley Bebout, Josie Holzman, Jaiden Gramlow and Kaylee Hicks; sister and brother-in-law, Pearl and Vern Sjogren of Redlands, Calif.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gladys and Gary Verrips of Walton, Ky.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nellie; brother, Paul; and twin infant daughters.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Central Reformed Church the Rev. Van Rathbun and the Rev. Joel Bensema officiating. Internment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center. Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home today (Tuesday) from 2 to 8 p.m., with family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The Verrips family prefers memorials be directed to The Gideon's International.