VanderHamm, Mildred (Mrs. Elmer) 1911-1961

VANDERHAMM, WELLS, MCDOUGAL

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/31/2010 at 20:34:34

Last Rites Held Yesterday For Mrs. Vander Hamm

Funeral services for Mrs. Mildred M. Vander Hamm,50, whose body found in the farm's water supply tank four and one-half miles southwest of Ireton Sunday afternoon, were held Wednesday afternoon at the Methodist church in Ireton.

Casket bearers were Morris Wills, Arie Ravensway, Bill Lahr, Lloyd Mueller, Charles Rieke and Eugene Vander Hamm. Rev. Fritz Springis officated and Mrs. Arthur Bartlett was the organist. The Satterlee Funeral home had charge of interment at Pleasant Hill cemetery.

Mrs. Vander Hamm's body was found by her husband Elmer when she failed to return from a walk after the noon meal. Her coat and scarf were found at the bottom of the 12 foot ladder which lead to the open trap door at the top of the water tank. Mrs. Vander Hamm was said to have been emotionally distraught for about a week. The Vander Hamm were nearing the completion of an addition to their farm.

Mrs. Vander Hamm was born June 16 1911, to Frank and Alice Wells and married March 18, 1932 at Springfield, SD. She was a member of the Ireton Methodist church where she taught the adult class, was president of the W.S.C.S. and was a member of the official board. She was graduated from Ireton high school in 1929.

Survivors include the widower; one son David; two daughters Mrs. Virgil (Doris)Mauer of Dubuque and Mrs. James (Lois Ann) Barbour of Fort Carson, Colo; her mother Alice Wells od Ireton; five brothers Milton Wells of Sioux Falls, Allen of near Minneapolis, Charles of Lake Benton, Minn.,Merle of Leeds and Willis of Ireton; two sisters, Mrs. Milo Schnee and Mrs. William Boddy both of Sioux City and two grandchildren.

Source:Hawarden Independent (12-14-1961)

NOTE: Her mother's maiden name was Katherine Alice McDougal.