Cambier, William John, 1896-1979

CAMBIER, SCHOLTEN, EERKES

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/6/2010 at 06:59:50

William John Cambier died November 2 in Scottsdale, Arizona. A lifetime resident of Sioux County, Mr. Cambier was born October 17, 1896, near Alton, the son of Jacob and Berendina Scholten Cambier. He married Marie Eerkes in Orange City on October 11, 1892. The couple celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in Orange City in 1972.

A veteran of World War I, Mr. Cambier was graduated from Alton High School and attended the State University of Iowa. He began his business career with his uncles, John and Peter Cambier, in the original Cambier Implement Company, which became Cambier Motor Company. He retmained in the automobile business until his retirement in 1975.

An active member of the American Reformed Church, Mr. Cambier was also a Mason, a member of the Ramblers and Lions Club, and served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Northwestern State Bank.

He is survived by his three children: Wilbur G. of Shenandoah; Marilyn Martin of Paradise Valley, Arizona; and Robert K. of Southfield, Michigan; six grandchildren; two brothers, Richard of Alton and Orville of Clarion, Iowa; and two sisters, Gladys Swanson, Colorado Springs and Lee Van Wechel, Vinton, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife Marie, two brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 6, at the American Reformed Church in Orange City. The Rev. Dr. Calvin J. Rynbrandt officiated. Interment followed at West Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of the Van Etten-Oolman Funeral Home, Orange City.

Special music was provided by Mr. Eugene Mulder, who sang "Going Home" and "In My Father's House are Many Mansions," accompanied by Dr. Rodney Jiskoot, organist. Casket bearers were Dr. E. B. Grossman, Sr., Anthony Hasselo, Merlyn Kraai, John Rensink, Dennis Punt, and George Huizenga.

Source: Sioux County Capital, Nov. 6, 1979.

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A similar obituary in the Alton Democrat (Nov. 7, 1979) adds: The family has requested that any memorial gifts be made in his name to the American Reformed Church.

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A shorter obituary in the Sioux Center News (Nov. 7, 1979) notes that he died at a Scottsdale nursing home; that he retired from the Cambier Motor Company on June 1, 1975; that Mrs. Cambier died April 15, 1975, in Orange City; and that he moved to Arizona in 1977. His daughter was Mrs. Earl J. (Marilyn) Martin; his sisters were Mrs. Clarence (Gladys) Swanson and Mrs. Ray (Lillian) Van Winchel[sic].