TeSelle, John W., 1867-1945

TESELLE, VERSTEEG

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/12/2012 at 18:41:40

Tidings have just reached us of the passing away of the Rev. John W. Te Selle, at his home in Firth, Nebraska. Had he lived until the 31st of Jan. he would have reached the age of 78.

He was born in Oostburg, Wisconsin, Jan. 31, 1867. The family moved to Nebraska, where John grew up. He attended the Northwestern Academy, and later graduated from Hope College in 1894, and in 1897 from the Western Theological Seminary. He was ordained by the Classis Iowa, and became Carmel's first pastor. From there he moved to Hospers, Iowa to serve the Reformed church there until 1905. After that he served the church at Yakima, Washington. Then for health's sake the family moved to Colorado where they abode for seventeen years, coming back to Matlock in 1923. Here they stayed until 1930, when he accepted the call to Little Rock. Here he reached the age of retirement, when the family moved [to] Firth, Nebr., where he spent his remaining years.

Notwithstanding his retirement, he remained an active man. His last Sunday upon earth he attended divine services, and taught his Sunday School class. The following Saturday he was stricken with a heart attack, and so passed on to be with his Savior, whom he had served faithfully in the ministry.

While at this time funeral arrangements have not been made, it is most likely that services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 1945 with the Rev. M. A. Stegeman in charge, who will also preach the sermon, while the Revs. G. B. Muyskens and E. E. Heeren will assist.

We desire to assure the family of our heartfelt sympathy.

In name of Classis East Sioux.
F. B. Manssen Stated Clerk.

Source: Alton Democrat, February 1, 1945.

A nearly identical obituary was published in the Sioux County Capital, January 25, 1945.

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From the Sioux County Capital, January 25, 1945:

Word was received here that the Rev. J. H. Te Selle of Firth, Nebr., died suddenly of a heart attack. Mrs. Te Selle was formerly Mrs. Jeanette Ver Steeg of Orange City.

Also in this issue: Hospers news:

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hofmeyer left for Firth, Nebr. Saturday morning having received word of the sudden death of the latter's step-father Rev. A. Te Selle. He was a former pastor of the First Reformed Church here.