BRUNSMA, Gerrit 1852-1938

BRUNSMA, LANTAGA, RUST, WORTMAN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 11/3/2009 at 10:57:01

George lost another long-time resident in the death of Gerrit Brunsma, age 86, who passed away at his home on Friday of last week after a long illness. Funeral services were held from the home and from the George Baptist Church on Monday afternoon of this week.

Mr. Brunsma had been a resident of George for more than fifty years and for many years had served as janitor in the George schools. He was known by practically everyone in this community as one of the finest citizens of George, and his death is mourned by many.

Gerrit Brunsma, our brother in Christ, was born at Graneker, Holland on November 14, 1852. He spent the years of his childhood and early manhood in his fatherland. On the 14th of November 1880 he married Gerlocke Lantaga. Two daughters and one son blessed their home. Mr. Brunsma was converted as a young man, baptized by Rev. John DeWeert and united with the Franeker Baptist Church in Holland.

In the year 1893 he left Holland, accompanied by his family and made America his home, choosing George, Iowa the place of their temporal pilgrimage. Here they also realized their spiritual home. They, with other baptized believers, organized the first Baptist church in the county. Later they were among the group that established the second Baptist church here in George. Both Brother and Sister Brunsma were faithful members of their church. Sister Brunsma preceded her husband two years in death. Brother Brunsma took his departure for the heavenly mansions last Friday, October 7, 1938, reaching the ripe old age of 86 years, 10 months and 23 days.

Brother Brunsma was a devout Christian, a kind and faithful husband and father. He was loved by the members of the church, and respected and esteemed by the citizens of George. For 27 years he served faithfully as janitor of the George public schools.

He leaves to mourn his death, two daughters, Mrs. Clara Rust and her husband of Kenneth, Minnesota; and Mrs. Anna Wortman and her husband, one son, Philip Brunsma and his wife, 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

(Lyon County News Obituary transcribed by Valerie Lane)