Aalfs, Jacob J. 1871-1952

AALFS, WETROSKY

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 1/18/2011 at 15:13:43

Akron Register-Tribune
June 26, 1952

HOLD RITES FOR WELL KNOWN AKRON MAN LAST FRIDAY
Jacob J. Aalfs Spent Most Of His Life In This Vicinity

His many friends in this vicinity learned with regret of the death of Jacob J. Aalfs, well known and respected resident here, on Tuesday night, June 17, 1952, at the Akron Community Hospital, at the age of 81 years, 4 months and 29 days. He had been in failing health the past several months and previously had been a patient in the hospital.

Mr. Aalfs was born January 18, 1871, in Groningen Province, Holland, where he spent his early boyhood. His father was a minister in the Dutch Reformed church there. At the age of 12, he came with his parents to the United States and they lived in Plymouth County, near LeMars, Iowa . On January 19, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Wetrosky, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wetrosky, at Neptune, Stanton township. The young couple lived at first near Merrill, Iowa, then on a farm east of Akron. They finally bought and settled on a farm a few miles west of Akron in Union County, S.D., which remained their home for some thirty years. Shortly after the death of his wife in 1943, Mr. Aalfs moved to Akron and has lived here ever since.

Besides being a progressive and successful farmer, Mr. Aalfs gained a commendable reputation as a farm and livestock auctioneer. He was an active member of Wesley Methodist church and served on the church’s board of trustees for several terms. His sound judgment and experience could be depended upon in any situation, and his upright character and genial disposition made him one whom large numbers of people were glad to be counted as his friends. He maintained a friendly interest in the religious, social and commercial affairs of the community right up to the closing period of his long and useful life. His family and a host of friends will sorely miss his genial presence.

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. A. D. (Edna) Trindle, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and four sons, John, of Humboldt, S. Dak., Clarence of Akron, Clifford, of Sioux City, and Lester of Watertown, S. Dak.; one brother, Nittert Aalfs, of Sioux City; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a number of other relatives.

Many friends assembled at Wesley Methodist church Friday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock to attend the final rites, conducted by Pastor David J. Roy, of Immanuel Lutheran Church, in the absence of Rev. Braun, the pastor. His sermon was based on the comforting passages of the Twenty-third Psalm. Favorite hymns were sung by a male quartet composed of Melvin Lias, Karl Silkebakken, J. R. Shoulberg and H. B. Nelson, with accompaniment and piano music by Mrs. Pearl Pollock. Floral tributes were many and beautiful. The pallbearers were W. P. Tucker, Max Pollock, Gerd Johnson, Donald Ross, Chris Jensen, and Lloyd Clark. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery.

All the children and families were present for the funeral, also a number of other relatives and friends from a distance.