Balkema, Clarence Edward, 1896-1978

BALKEMA, HYINK, DEHAAN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/20/2010 at 20:18:31

Clarence E. Balkema, 82, of Orange City, former longtime Sioux County treasurer, died Tuesday [March 21] at his Orange City home after a lengthy illness.

Services were at 10 A.M., Saturday at the American Reformed Church, Orange City, with the Rev. Calvin Rynbrandt officiating. Burial was in West Lawn Cemetery at Orange City under direction of the Van Etten-Oolman Funeral Home. There was military graveside rites.

Mr. Balkema was born March 1, 1896, at Newkirk. He married Ella DeHaan Dec. 25, 1923, at Sioux Center. He served in World War I in France and returned to Orange City in 1923 where he was deputy county treasurer under his father for 20 years until 1943. He was elected county treasurer in that year, serving until 1963 when he retired. He was a member of the American Reformed Church of Orange City and a member of church boards and Sunday School teacher for many years. He was a member of the American Legion.

Survivors include the widow; a daughter, Mrs. Simon (Evadeane) Klinghagen of Orange City; a son, Albert C. of Montgomery, Ala.; eight grandchildren; a great grandson; two brothers, John of Fort Dodge, and Albert Jr. of Centerline, Mich.; a sister, Mrs. C. L. (Kate) Wilson of Tampa, Fla.

Source: Sioux Center News, March 29, 1978.

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An obituary in the Alton Democrat, March 29, 1978, adds his full middle name, Edward; his parents' names, Albert and Everdean Hyink Balkema; and his nickname, "Pat". It also adds the following information about his community involvement:

"Pat" was active in church and community affairs. As a member of the American Reformed Church, he taught Sunday School for many years and served on the Consistory as both Elder and Deacon. Clarence joined the Orange City Volunteer Fire Department in 1922. He served as their chief from 1929 to 1946, when he left the department. "Pat" belonged to the Pressman-Kosters Post of the American Legion, playing "Taps" at numerous ceremonies. He was a member of the Men's Dutch Psalm Singers and in later years, directed the Ladies Zangkoor.

"Pat" was preceded in death by brother, Peter; and two sisters, Toinette [Balkema] and Evelyn Troutman.