DeBOER, John F. 1884-1936

DEBOER, KIX, GERKEN, SCHULTE, FELDMAN, SCHNEIDERMAN, KRUGER, KRULL

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/21/2012 at 11:33:30

Following is the obituary prepared by Rev. O. W. Brenner of John F. DeBoer, whose funeral services were held from the Ben Gerken home and from the Baptist church northeast of George on Monday afternoon, March 20.

John Folkert DeBoer was born March 16, 1884, at Simonswolde, East Friesland, Germany. In his early childhood his parents came with him to this country. They settled in Grundy Center and remained there eight years. Then they continued their journey farther westward and established their permanent earthly home near George.

Here Mr. DeBoer lived the rest of his life. On March 21, 1911, he was married to Lena Kix. To their matrimonial union 9 children were born. Two, John and Joan, preceded both parents in death, having died in infancy.

In May, 1936, Mrs. DeBoer died. In 1920 Mr. DeBoer received salvation and was baptized by Pastor Jordan and united with the First Baptist of George. With it he remained a faithful member until the day of his death, which was on the day of his birthday, March 16, having reached the age of 60 years. The last month of his life he spent with his daughter, Elsie, and her husband, Ben Gerken. The cause of his death was heart failure.

Seven children mourn their departed father. They are: Fred DeBoer of Sibley, (Jennie) Mrs. Herman Schulte of Little Rock, (Elsie) Mrs. Ben Gerken of Little Rock, Louis, Roy, Alvin and Lillian of Little Rock. Two sons-in-law, Herman Schulte and Ben Gerken, one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Esther Feldman DeBoer, also survive. There are also five grandchildren and five brothers, one who is dead, Elmer DeBoer. The other four are Jake DeBoer of George, Tom DeBoer of Round Lake, Martin and Harry DeBoer of Little Rock. The three sisters, the first mentioned having died, are: Mrs. Helen Schneiderman, Mrs. A. A. Kruger, Sr., of George and Mrs. Albertus Krull of George.

(Source: Mail, Sheldon, Iowa; 29 March 1944)