Wynia, John 1891-1938

WYNIA, DYKSTRA

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 2/28/2012 at 10:32:41

Rock Valley Man Drowned Wednesday -

John Wynia and Peter Helder Are Drowned While on Fishing Trip Near Bemidgi, Minnesota.

John Wynia, of Rock Valley and Peter Helder, of Hospers, were drowned Wednesday afternoon in Big Lake, near Bemidgi, Minn, where they were fishing. There were three other men in the boat with them, Spencer Roorda, of Sheldon, and K. Landman Mr. Postma and Peter Helder, of Hospers. The five men were out in the boar on the lake. In some manner the boat was overturned and the men were thrown into the water. Mr. Wynia and Mr. Helder both were drowned. The three other men escaped. Mr. Wynia's body was recovered soon afterwards but the body of Mr. Helder had not been found late Wednesday night, and the search for it was given, up till this Thursday morning. James Vander Ploeg and Jake Vande Weerd left Wednesday evening for Bemidgi to bring back the remains of Mr. Wynia. Mr. Wynia leaves his wife and two boys, Charles, 15, and Pierre, 7, besides other relatives and many friends. A further account will be given next week.
---------------------------------------------------

JOHN WYNIA.

John Wynia a resident of Rock Valley and one of the proprietors of the Wynia and Dykstra Garage here was drowned in Big Lake, near Bemidji, Minn, on Wednesday, June 1, while on a fishing trip with four companions. Due to an accident the boat in which they were riding overturned and Mr. Wynia and Peter Helder of Hospers were thrown out and drowned. Mr. Wynia was born April 30, 1891, near Rock Valley. He lived here almost all of his life. On February 22, 1914 Mr. Wynia was united in marriage with Miss Johanna Dykstra of Rock Valley. They lived on a farm for four years. Since 1918 Mr. Wynia has been in the auto-mobile and implement business in Rock Valley.
John Wynia is survived by his wife and two sons, who are Charles age 15 and Pierre aged 7. He is also survived by one brother, William Wynia of Rock Valley and three sisters who are, Mrs. Koert Landman of Hospers, la., Mrs. Spencer Roorda of Sheldon, la., and Mrs. Anna Klay of Larchwood, la. He was a member of the local First Reformed church. He had been elected Fire Chief of the local Rock Valley Firemen for several years past, which position he filled very ably. He was interested in all community affairs and was a loyal supporter of many new civic enterprises. Funeral services for Mr. Wynia were held in the First Reformed church in Rock Valley on Saturday afternoon, June 4. Rev. H. J. Aberson was in charge of the services. A quartet consisting of B. Meerdink, Al Vander Berg, Steve Vander Well and Clarence Mulder sang two beautiful selections. Six members of the Firemens squad acted as pallbearers. The remaining members of the group acted as honorary pallbearers. Following the services, interment was made in the Valley View cemetery.
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