Report Dedication

Ron Koetsier was born in Artesia, California, to Henry and Margie Koetsier. Henry immigrated from Holland in 1947, settling in Artesia where he began milking 30 cows by hand for his uncle. In 1952, he purchased the herd and established Henry Koetsier Dairy. A new dairy was built in Ontario, California, in 1961. The family attended Ontario Christian Reformed Church, where Henry served as a deacon and Ron was active in the church’s Calvinist Cadet program. Ron attended Ontario Christian School.

In 1972, Henry relocated the operation to Visalia, California, establishing Henry Koetsier and Sons in Tulare County. Ron graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 1975 and married Beth Boeve the following year. In 1979, Ron became a partner in Koetsier Dairy. He remained active in the Calvinist Cadet program, helping organize and establish the Pacific Sierra Council, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and gratitude.

Ron and Beth raised four children, all of whom graduated from Central Valley Christian School, where Ron served on the school board. In 2002, his son Ronnie joined the dairy partnership. Ron was elected to the Tulare DHIA Board in 2001, serving until 2017 and as president from 2007 to 2009. He also served on the California Milk Advisory Board and completed two terms on the National Dairy Board, his final year as board treasurer. In 2017, Ron and Ronnie sold their herd and retired from the dairy industry.

Guided by the pledge he learned as a young cade “Thankful to God for His gifts to me, I pledge myself to serve God, my parents, my country, my church, my neighbor, and my corps”. Ron has lived a life of service. He expresses deep gratitude to his wife, Beth, for her unwavering support, to the board for this humbling recognition, and to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.