Van Peursem, Chester 1899-1989

VAN PEURSEM, MENSINK, BOONSTRA

Posted By: Minerva Van Peursem (email)
Date: 2/19/2008 at 10:36:47

Chester Otis Van Peursem, 90, was born May 8, 1899 near Maurice, IA. His parents were William and Grace(Mensink)Van Peursem. His childhood years were spent on a farm near Maurice. He attended rural schools and Northwestern Classical Academy in Orange City, Iowa. In 1918 he enlisted in the Navy.
October 4, 1921 Chester married Gertrude Boonstra in Orange City. They farmed the family farm until 1949 when he became an agent for State Farm Insurance. In October of 1950 they moved to Orange City, retiring from State Farm in 1970.
Mr. Van Peursem served as Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and was the mayor of Orange City for six years. He was president of the Northwest Iowa Mayor's Association, Director of Iowa League of Municipalities, State Commander of the World War I Veteran's Association, and a 70 year member of the American Legion.
Chester was chairman of the first Unity School Board and chairman of the Finance Committee for the planning of the Orange City Christian School. He also served as President of the Maurice School Board and the Sioux County Sunday School Association.
Church affiliations include Vice President of the church councils in the Maurice Reformed Church and Calvary Christian Reformed Church, a delegate to the CRC Synod, along with teaching Sunday School and catechism.
In 1979 Chester and Gertrude became residents of the Pioneer Home. Gertrude passed away in October 1979 and Chester became a resident of the Heritage House in September 1985.
Survivors include three children; Helen and husband, Arthur Kalsbeek of Orange City,IA; Howard and wife Jo Van Peursem of Crystal Lake, Illinois; David and wife, Minerva Van Peursem of Orange City,IA; a sister, Lucille Van Peursem and a brother, Philip of Orange City, IA; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude.
Service; June 12, 1989, Calvary Christian Reformed Church, Orange City, IA.
Interment; West Lawn Cemetery, Orange City, IA.
From the Van Etten-Oolman-VanGelder funeral home obit.