Helder, Peter 1891-1838

HELDER, TEGROTENHUIS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 2/28/2012 at 10:31:14

PETER HELDER
Funeral services for Peter Helder, Hospers, who was drowned in Big Lake near Bemidji, Minn., Wednesday morning, were held Saturday afternoon at the First Reformed church. Revs. Docter, Budd, and Stegeman officiated. Mr. Helder was born May 12, 1891 at Bellingsvalde [*Bellingwolde], Groningen, The Netherlands. He came to this country in 1913, making his home in Hospers. During the World War he served in the U. S. Navy. In 1918 he was married to Miss Dena Te Grotenhuis who survives him.
Besides his wife he leaves five children, Gezena, Willis, Delores, Theresa, and Harold. He is also survived by his mother, five sisters and four brothers now living in The Netherlands.
Two Drown In Big Lake - Fishing Expedition Ends in Tragedy.
Last Wednesday evening the terrible news came that Peter Helder of Hospers and John Wynia of Rock Valley had been drowned in Big Lake near Bemidji, Minn. Wynia's body was found soon after but that of Peter Helder was not taken out of the water until 24 hours later. Last Tuesday morning five men went on a fishing trip to Big Lake. In the party were Spencer Roorda, Sheldon; Coert Landman; Henry Posthuma and Peter Helder of Hospers, and John Wynia of Rock Valley. Landman, Roorda and Wynia were related by marriage. Wednesday morning the five went fishing. In some manner the boat capsized throwing all five into the lake. Just how the accident happened is not clear although it is said that one of the men stood up in the boat. However, that report cannot be verified. A fishing boat manned by Peru, Indiana men, was near-by and immediately came to the rescue. Three of the men were saved but Helder and Wynia did not come up. It is said that Helder became entangled in the fishing lines. However, Wynia's body was located and the party rowed to an island where they attempted artificial respiration, but to no avail. Helder's body was not found until the next day.
The Sioux County Capital, Thursday, June 9, 1938 Orange City, Iowa