VanVoorst, Gerrit John 1887/1888 - 1939

VANVOORST, STERRENBERG, STECKENBURG

Posted By: Lydia Lucas-Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/25/2011 at 21:34:04

Death Enters Ireton Home

Death has entered another Ireton home, taking away the husband and father, Gerrit John Van Voorst, who passed away at the Sacred Heart hospital in LeMars at 1:30 Saturday afternoon [August 26]. He had been in poor health for 30 years but was able to attend to business until last Wednesday when his condition became much worse and he was removed to the hospital. He suffered from ulcers of the stomach and other complications. The family came to Ireton from Sioux Center August 8th but he had opened his harness and shoe repairing shop previously.

Gerrit John Van Voorst was born in the Netherlands, November 3, 1888, and came to America with his parents in 1893, locating in Denver, Colo., where he lived for three months. He then came to Sioux Center where he resided until he came to Ireton this summer. He was united in marriage with Elda Steckenburg December 9, 1915, to which union were born five children, who with the widow survive. The children are Mrs. Ernest Bergers and Richard, John, Herman and Gerrit Jr. He also leaves three sisters, Mrs. John Dekker, Maurice; Mrs. E. Zommermond, Rock Valley; and Mrs. Gerrit Meyer, Sioux Center, and two brothers, Henry and Bert Van Voorst, Sioux Center.

He came to Ireton recently and started his business in the Collenbaugh building where he had a good line of footwear and he knew his work of harness and shoe repairing. His two elder sons have been associated with him in the business and will carry on. During his short time here he had enjoyed many customers all of whom speak well of his efficiency and knowledge of his business. In his home he was a considerate and loving husband and father and he was a good Christian, friend and neighbor. The family have the sympathy of the entire community in their great loss.

Funeral services were held from the home in Ireton at 1 o'clock and from the Christian Reformed church in Sioux Center at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Burial was in the Sioux Center cemetery.

Source: Hawarden Independent: Ireton and Vicinity, August 31, 1939.

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Well Known Business Man Dies

G. J. Van Voorst, 51, died at the LeMars hospital Saturday following a brief illness of a few days. While he had never been in robust health deceased was always able to work and was about his business until late Wednesday and Thursday morning. Mr. Van Voorst had been in business in Sioux Center for 25 years, moving to Ireton with his family to establish a shoe store just a month ago.

He is survived by his widow and two daughters, Mrs. Ernest Bergers of Rock Valley and Hermina at home, and 3 sons, Richard, John and G. J. Jr., who are associated with him in business. Three sisters, Mrs. John Dekker of Maurice, Mrs. E. Zommermond of Rock Valley and Mrs. Gerrit Meyer of Sioux Center. Two brothers, Henry Van Voorst and Bert Van Voorst of Sioux Center. His wife's aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Sterrenberg of Rock Valley.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 1 p.m. from the home and at 2 p.m. from the Second Christian Reformed Church at Sioux Center. Burial was made at Sioux Center. Rev. M. Keuning officiated.

Source: Sioux Center News, August 31, 1939.

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The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Gerrit John Van Voorst, b. 1887 d. 1939 spouse Hilda.