Versteeg. Arie 1845-1915

VERSTEEG, VERHOEF, BAKKER

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/18/2011 at 10:32:02

From the Boyden Reporter May 20, 1915
Died, at his home in our city, on Friday, May 14, at 9:00 o'clock a. m., of hardning of the arteries, Mr. Arie Ver Steeg, age 69 years, 7
months and 24 days.
Thus is another of Sioux Counties pioneers stricken from the ever lessening roll by the hand of death. But not to him to our tears!
Rather, let us crown his grave with garlands; few of us will live;as long or as well and
fewer yet will the Angel of Death greet with such a loving touch.
At all times, under all circumstances, he walked in the well beaten path of righteousness and when fully conscious that he was nearing the last of earth, he appeared to be fully impressed with the idea that at the end of time eternity began; and that the bright faith that sustained him during those trying hours of suffering would only grow brighter as he journeyed toward the infinite, and the final gloom dispelled by the radiance of God's love. Could all live the just and upright life he lived and die in His trusting faith, death could no longer be called "The-King of Terrors" for he inspired no terror there. The dying man and the sorrowing family looked forward with the same eye of faith to the brighter future where this temporary separation would end in an eternal reunion. Funeral services were held Monday from the First Reformed church, Rev. J. Van Houte officiating. At the close of the solemn services all were permitted to look for the last time upon the face of the departed; then the sad cortege moved on to our silent city. Nothing on earth is changed; only a kind and loving father is gone Mr. Ver Steeg was born in the Netherlands on September 20, 1840, and at the age of eight years he came to this country with his parents and settled in Marion county, Iowa. In 1872 he was united in marriage to Margaret Ver Hoef , at Pulla, Iowa. Ten children came to bless this uion, two dying in infancy.
In 1880 they moved their family to Sioux county and located near Orange City.
Here they lived until 1897 when they bought a farm near Boyden where they resided until 1897 when they retired to Boyden.
Besides a loving wife the deceased leaves to mourn his death, five daughters and three sons: Herman, of Hull, la; Nick, of Monroe, S. D; Mrs. H. Maris, Boyden; Mrs. John Grooters, Boyden; Mrs. William Grooters, Boyden; John, of Sheldon, lA ; .Mrs. Otto Rouwenhorst,of Marion. S. D; and Jennie, who resides at home.
(According to an on line account, his father was Klaas Nickolaas VerSteeg and mother was Hendrina Everdina Bakker.)