HUESMAN, Meint K. 1867-1938

HUESMAN, VANLOH

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 4/26/2016 at 07:34:16

Meint K. Huesman Died November 30

Born and Reared in German Township, Lived There Through Life

Had Been Active in Community Life; Father of 13 Children--Funeral at West Friesland Church

After a protracted illness of nearly eight months, Mr. Meint K. Huesman, a life-long resident of northern Grundy county, passed away at his home last Wednesday, November 30, at the age of 71 years, 4 months and 28 days. He was born July 2, 1867 in German township and lived through the years on the same farm--or until a year or two ago when he built a new house near by and occupied it. On March 11, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna VanLoh, who also survives him. Their home was blessed with thirteen children, two of whom died in infancy.

About six years ago they retired from active farming, but remained on the old home farm, building a new house across the road, there to spend the evening of their lives. But it was not to be long that they were to remain together. March last he suffered greatly from heart trouble, but after careful medical attention he seemed to improve to such an extent that he could again be up and around calling on his children and friends. But nine weeks ago the attacks reappeared and he was obliged to remain in bed; death came to him on Nov. 30--Thanksgiving day.

Formerly Mr. Huesman was a member of Eastfriesland church, in which congregation he also was elected first as deacon and later as elder. In 1909 their membership was transferred to the Westfriesland Presbyterian church, where the next year he was chosen elder and in which capacity he served until his death. Relatives and friends in the community will miss him in their daily activities.

Funeral service took place Monday afternoon, Dec. 5th and was attended by a large number of relatives and friends. Funeral services were held in the Eastfriesland church and his body was laid to rest in the cemetery there. The service was conducted by the pastor, Rev. Henry Johnson, assisted by Rev. Calvin Siemsen, pastor of Eastfriesland church. The pallbearers were members of the church board and included these: R. U. Harken, Abraham Roelse, J. R. Harken, C. U. Harken, Fred Spieker and George Groninga. A quartet composed to Corneal DeVries, Fred Jansonius, Henry Johnson and John V. Janssen sang three selections.

Those remaining to mourn his passing are: his grief-stricken widow, his children Mrs. Jennie Janssen at Woodstock, Minn., Mrs. Tena Boelts and Mrs. Lydia DeBoer at Aplington, Ia., Jans, Mrs. Mary Janssen, Mrs. Anna Riebkes and Klaas Samuel, Ackley, Mrs. Esther Janssen at Geneva, Ia., Lizzie, Hannah and Leona at home, twenty-four grandchildren and many relatives and a host of friends.

Deceased was not only a good husband and father, but he was a good neighbor and friend of many; he took an active part in community affairs and his good judgment was frequently sought. His was an unusual record; few men remain to live on practically the same place on which they were born through a period of more than seventy-one years; he saw the changes that came with the years; he experienced the trials consequent to the pioneer life. He was rugged, robust and shared with others the trials that pioneer families experienced. He lived a useful life and a helpful one. Many friends sympathize with the family and those remaining.

--Ackley World-Journal (Ackley, Iowa), 8 December 1938, pg 3