Obituary of Richard Jeffer

JEFFER, Richard, age 96, of Midland Park, died peacefully on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at the Holland Christian Home, North Haledon. Born in Naekirk, the Netherlands, he emmigrated with his parents at the age of five months to Midland Park where he lived his entire life until entering the Holland Christian Home. Dick was a self-employed fuel dealer. He was a lifelong outdoorsman who loved raising beagles and was a founding member of the Inter-County Beagle Breeders Association. He organized the Midland Park Rangers, a semi-pro baseball team, in the 1930's. He was a battery mate to Johnny Vander Meer of two consecutive no hit fame with the Cincinnati Reds. In the 1950's he re-established the Rangers into one of the top semi-pro teams in the North Jersey area. In addition he organized many amateur basketball and bowling teams. He was a founder of the Grandview Rod and Gun Club, Inc. Dick was also a member and part-owner of the Panther Creek Club, Inc. Dick was a life-long member in the Midland Park Christian Reformed Church and served as organist for twenty five years. Dick is survived by his three sons Richard G. of Lake Pleasant, NY, Robert P. of Shohola, PA, and Peter A. of Midland Park. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, two brothers: Herman of Wyckoff and Donald of Natural Bridge Station, VA, and one sister, Henrietta Bender of Bradenton, FL. Dick was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mathilda (De Haan) in 2001, his two grandaughters: Lori Jill in 2002 and Sandra Lee in 1977, and two sisters and two brothers. Visiting hours, Thursday 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff (www.vpfh.com). Funeral service, Friday, 10 AM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home. Interment, Valleau Cemetery, Ridgewood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holland Christian Home, 151 Graham Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508.