DEVRIES, Elky 1913-1989

DEVRIES, JANSSEN, KRULL

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 1/5/2016 at 17:02:33

Rites Held For Elky DeVries

Elky DeVries, of rural Grundy Center, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, of complications of cancer. He attained the age of 75 years, nine months and 27 days.

Funeral services were held at the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center on Thursday, September 28, at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Calvin W. Vanderwerf officiated.

Marvin Aalderks sang "One Day At A Time" and "The Old Rugged Cross." He was accompanied by Rosie Aalderks. Dorothea Appel played selected numbers for the prelude and postlude.

Casket bearers were Joel DeVries, James Marks, John Marks, Darren Hurt, Bill Saak, Rick Saak, Ron Saak and Gary Saak.

Ushers were Edward Flater, Dale Meester and Lloyd Dreesman. Mrs. Art Henze and Mrs. Vernon Klosterboer were in charge of the floral arrangements. Jane Hurt and Teri Saak were honorary flower ladies.

Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Grundy Center.

Elky DeVries, the son of Ubbie and Nelke Janssen DeVries, was born on November 29, 1913, in Colfax Township, Grundy County. He attended country school in Colfax Township near his home.

Elky was united in marriage on April 16, 1936, to Clara Krull at the Pleasant Valley Reformed Church parsonage, rural Parkersburg, by the Rev. D. Siemsen. On April 16, 1989, they were able to celebrate 53 years of marriage. They farmed all their married life and semi-retired, but continued to live on their farm near Grundy Center.

Elky was an active member of the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center where he served various positions such as Elder, Deacon, Trustee, and presently was serving on the Board of Deacons.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara, on August 20, 1989; his parents; 3 sisters, Mrs. Albert (Minnie) Huisman, Mrs. George (Katie) Seehusen, and Mrs. James (Anna) Meester; and 2 brothers, Arthur DeVries, and Willard DeVries.

Elky is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Lillian and Edward Marks of Dike; one son and daughter-in-law, Eldon and Geri DeVries of Grundy Center; nine grandchildren and spouses, James and Paula Marks, John and Karen Marks, Jane and Darren Hurt, Joel DeVries, Bill and Cindy Saak, Rick Saak, Ron Saak, Gary Saak, and Teri Saak; seven great-grandchildren Evan, Ehren, Christopher and Stephanie Marks, Lauren Hurt, and Robbie and Katie Saak. He is survived by 2 sisters, Mrs. Henry K. (Tena) Meester of Dike, and Mrs. Clarence (Elvena) Walterman of Parkersburg.

The Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center was in charge of the funeral arrangements.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 5 October 1989, pg 3