VanVeldhuizen, Jacob, 1892-1919

VANVELDHUIZEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/30/2011 at 20:03:41

Private Jacob Van Veldhuizen

At the age of 27 years, 7 months and 6 days, Jacob Van Veldhuizen died Thursday, Sept. 25, 1919, at 7:30 p.m. at the home of his parents near Newkirk.
He was the beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Van Veldhuizen and was born in the Newkirk neighborhood Feb. 19, 1892, and his home has been there continuously.

On Feb. 25th, 1918, he was drafted into the U.S. army and served his country as a member of Co. K, 131st Infantry until the 1st of June, 1919, when he was honorably discharged and returned home. Of the 15 months of service he spent 1 year overseas and took part in a number of engagements.

Although having been discharged in perfect health, he was not feeling well when he arrived home from camp. Nothing serious was thought of it until about five weeks ago when symptoms of pneumonia developed. Four weeks ago he was forced to his bed, which proved to be his death bed. All that medical skill and loving hands could do was done to save his life, but death had marked him for his own. Although pneumonia was the immediate cause of his death, the attending physicians are of the opinion that the effects of some poisonous gas, inhaled upon the battlefield, was considerably responsible for the cause of his death.

Jacob Van Veldhuizen was a young man of Christian faith and upright character and the horrors of war had not shaken but strengthened his faith and the sorrowing parents have comfort in the knowledge that he "knew that his Redeemer livest."

The funeral was held Monday with services at the Newkirk church in charge of Rev. Veldman assisted by Rev. Douwstra of Hospers. The Sioux County Red Cross and the Hospers Junior Mission Band had sent floral tributes. The services were attended by a large concourse of friends and relatives and several soldier boys in uniform.

Interment was made in the Newkirk cemetery and the body laid to rest in his U.S. uniform and the coffin covered with the U.S. flag, the gift of the Red Cross. The pall bearers were all returned service men in uniform. They were: Jake Hofmeyer, Louis Vanderschaaf, H. Grootenhuis, C. Balkema, H. Blom and P. Dykstra. -- Hospers Tribune.

Boyden Reporter, October 9, 1919.