Hoksbergen, Anna Clara (De Jong) 1912-2006

HOKSBERGEN, DE JONG, DE GEUS

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/23/2006 at 18:36:04

Anna Clara De Jong was born on November 2, 1912 in Mahaska County near Leighton, Iowa. She was the youngest of fifteen children born to Antonie and Gertie De Geus De Jong.

Ann, as she was known, attended the Centennial Country Grade School near her home. After her schooling, she did housework for other families; staying in town throughout the week and returning home for the weekends. On October 26, 1932,

Ann was united in marriage with Bert Hoksbergen. To this union, a son was born: Larry Eugene on June 29, 1937. After their marriage, Ann worked at North Pella Greenhouses alongside her husband, his family and Larry.

Ann later managed the Maid-Rite and worked as a clerk at Jaarsma's Bakery in Pella.

Bert passed away on November 5, 1984, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 72 years. On July 7, 2000, her son, Larry passed away unexpectedly at the age of 63 years. Shortly after his death, Ann became a resident of the Long Term Care Unit at Pella Regional Health Center in Pella, Iowa.

It was there that she passed away early Monday morning May 8, 2006; having attained the age of 93 years, six months and six days.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two granddaughters and their husbands. They are: Laura Ann and Brian Sowles of Pella, Iowa, Melinda (Mindy) Kay and Andrew Gertner of Katy, Texas; and a grandson, Evan Gertner of Katy, Texas. Of her original family she leaves one sister-in-law, Jennie (Nick) Hoksbergen of Pella.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Bert; her son Larry "Shorty" Hoksbergen and his wife, Mickey ( Helen Downing) and her children, John Downing and Kelly Schakel. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Antonie and Gertie De Jong and all of her siblings: Margaret, Mrs. William A. Bogaards; Cornelius De Jong, who died in infancy; Nellie , Mrs. Bert Blom; Tena, Mrs. Lewis Ozinga; Neal De Jong; John De Jong; Josena, Mrs. John C. Den Hartog; Albertha De Jong, who died in infancy; Albert De Jong; William De Jong; Grace, Mrs. Arnold Witzenburg; Tony De Jong; Gertrude, Mrs. William De Kock and her twin brother, Cornelius, who also died in infancy.

Ann was a member of Second Christian Reformed Church and the Pella Golf and Country Club in Pella.

The Pella Chronicle, May 19, 2006