DeJong, Ray& Debra&Roger

DEJONG, VANDERVLIET

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg (email)
Date: 11/21/2011 at 10:25:57

Ray De Jong family
Three of Family Are Killed in Car , Mishap
R. De Jong, Son, Daughter Victims
Ray De Joug, 42 former Sioux Center resident, his five weeks old daughter, Debra Kay, and 14 year old son, Roger, were fatally injured in a car accident near Canby, Mlnn., about 10:15 p.m. December 31, two hours after they had left Sioux Center for their home near Monteviedo, Minn., after spending the day here with Mrs. De Jong’s mother, Mrs. Henry Vander Vliet, Sr.
Injured in the accident were Mrs. (Mina) De Jong. who incurred a broken pelvis, a deep gash on the head and other injuries; a daughter, Lenora, 13., who received a broken leg; a son, Carl, 11, a daughter, Cheryl, 7, and son Darrell. 5, all of whom received bruises. and cuts. They were hospitalized at Canby.
Two members of the family Marvin, 19, and Vernon. 13, were. not in the accident, having remained at home to take care of farm work.
The De Jong car, a 1956 Ford. was struck by a car occupied by two men from Dawson, Minn., who reportedly were under the influence of intoxicating liquor. The Dawson car, approaching the De Jong car from the rear at a high rate of speed, failed to pull out in time to make a clear pass, according to investigating officials. The De Jong car was knocked completely off the road and demolished beyond repair.
Mr. De Jong was born at Ashton, Ia, and was married to Mina Vander Vliet, February 28, 1939. He was employed at the Franken Garage in Carmel from 1939 to 1943, and then worked at Mouw Motors in Sioux Center until 1945, when the family moved to the Abel Popma farm. They later operated the Elmer Houtkooper farm near Carmel, now occupied by the Art Pluim family, for several years prior to moving to the Montevideo area nine years ago.
Funeral services for the three De Jongs were held at Monteviedo, Minn.
Source, Sioux Center News of January 8, 1959.