DeJong, Thomas Otto 1919-2001

DEJONG, DOUMA, PAP

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg (email)
Date: 11/21/2011 at 10:19:30

Thomas De Jong
July 21, 1919-------- Oct. 31, 2001
ALTON—Thomas Otto De Jong 82, Alton, died Wednesday, Oct. 31 at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Services were Monday Nov. 5, at Alton Reformed Church with the Rev. Elmer Brinkman officiating. Burial was at Nassau Township Cemetery near Alton under the direction of Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City.
Thomas De Jong, son of Otto Henry and Hattie (Douma) De Jong, was born July 21, 1919, in
Carnes. He served in the U.S. Army 1942-1945 during World War II.
He married Pearl Nellie Pap on June 20, 1947, in Sheldon. The lived in Carnes until the mid-1960s when they moved their family to Alton. He was a carpenter and contractor, building many homes in the Alton area. After retiring in the early ‘80s, he turned his attention to smaller building projects and woodwork
ing. He was known for his intricate Wooden model cars made entirely by hand from. walnut. He also enjoyod fishing, trapping and playing cards.
He was a member of Alton Reformed Church and the Floyd American Legion Post.
Survivors include his wife, Pearl De Jong of Alton; four daughters, Marcia and John Haselhoff of Schaller, Greta and Harold Postma of Clara City, MN, Carol and Steve Brouwer of Orange City and Leisa and Gary Styke of Harrisburg, SD; a son, Thomas W. and Judy De Jong of Alton; 14 grandchildren, a great-grand son and two sisters, Ethel Aberson of Orange City and Betty Lou Alberts of Grand Forks, ND.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Esther Muilenburg and a brother, Gerald F. De Jong.
Source: Northwest Iowa Review of November 10, 2001.