Sjoerd Rispens

Sjoerd (George) Rispens was called home to his heavenly Father on Sunday, May 24, 2026. He was born on November 29, 1958, in Spannum, the Netherlands, to Taede and Minke Rispens. He was the fifth of six children. As a young boy, he rode around with the Groente Boer (a produce truck) and delivered veggies and fruit to the neighboring towns. He attended a technical school and loved to work with his hands. In his teens, he visited the USA to help his cousin Louie Plantenga on his dairy in Oregon for a few months. Upon his return to the Netherlands, he helped haul cattle and was involved with Verhuisbedrijf Dijkstra (a moving company). George loved music and in his spare time he was known to be the best DJ at the local bar. At the age of 21, a friend asked if he would be interested in moving to Texas to help a farmer. Within two weeks, he sold everything and went to farm in Texas. Six months in, they all decided farming in Texas wasn't for them. After a long road trip through the US with friends, he landed by his cousin George Plantenga in Southern California. After seeing how much work there was on the dairies, he bought a service truck and began "George Rispens' Welding." Soon after, George needed a date for a friend's wedding and was told about this nice girl from Chino. George fell hook, line, and sinker for Michelle (Mush) VanLeeuwen, and they were married in July 1984. They lived in Chino on Mush's family dairy, and George continued to serve the local dairy industry. Over the years, they were blessed with two boys, Theodore (TJ) and John (Johnny). As more dairies from Southern California moved to the Central Valley, the opportunity arose for George to be a dealer for Peecon feed mixers in the Central Valley. In the year 2000, the Rispens family moved to Pixley, and M&M Sales was established. George enjoyed his work and spent many days at his shop or on service calls until his cancer diagnosis in early 2025. George loved his work and his family and enjoyed his morning coffee at Gas'n'Goodies. George was a man of quiet faith, and it was evident through his actions and outlook on life. Although he became an American citizen in 2016, he was very proud of his Friesian heritage. Despite George's tough-guy exterior, he had a soft and gentle heart-our gentle giant. He always had a joke to share, a mischievous grin, and a twinkle in his eye. All the grandkids are going to miss their 'pesterbox'. George will be deeply missed by his wife, Mush; his sons and daughters-in-law, TJ & Laura and Johnny & Katie; and his grandchildren, Cole, Arie, Molly, Tara, Jack, and Adri. He will also be remembered by his siblings, Janke (Willem) Twijnstra, Jan (Marian) Rispens, Liesbeth Rispens, and Trynke (Sietze) deVries; and siblings-in-law, Leanne (Jim) Bonnecroy, Jacque (Henry) Van Maanen, and Julie (Hans) Wilting, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Riekje; his parents, Taede and Minke; and his parents-in-law, Jack & Harriet VanLeeuwen. The family is comforted knowing that he is rejoicing at home with them and with our Lord and Saviour. Visitation will be held 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday, June 5th, 2026 at Trinity United Reformed Church, 6400 W. Walnut, Visalia. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at Trinity United Reformed Church, 6400 W. Walnut, Visalia. Graveside services will be held privately. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Sjoerd Rispens

November 29, 1958 - May 24, 2026