Balkema, Clara, Mrs. Nicholas, 1867-1954

BALKEMA, VANROOYEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/4/2012 at 06:43:47

WAGON TRAIN PIONEER DIES; MRS. BALKEMA'S FUNERAL HELD MON.

A Sioux Center pioneer woman who was in the first covered wagon caravan that came to Sioux county from Pella in 1870 died at her home here Thursday afternoon, Dec. 30, at the age of 87. She was Mrs. N. Balkema, one of the community's oldest residents.

Mrs. Balkema was the last surviving charter member of the Central Reformed church here and had been active in the Ladies Society and in numerous church, civic and social affairs until the infirmities of old age confined her to her home.

Preceded in death by her husband Jan. 29, 1954, Mrs. Balkema had continued to make her home in her own house under the care of her daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Den Beste. Mr. and Mrs. Balkema had lived to observe their 67th wedding anniversary, Dec. 9, 1953.

Funeral Held

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Central Reformed church following a brief service at the home. Rev. M. A. Klaaren officiated and arrangements were under the direction of Vander Ploeg's Funeral home. Burial was in the local cemetery.

Special music was furnished by a mixed quartet consisting of Vernon Mouw, Mrs. James Wandscheer, Mrs. Harold Boeyink, and Clarence Ver Hoef. Two numbers were sung, "Some Day The Silver Cord Will Break" and "In the Sweet By and By." The first verse of Psalm 42, a favorite of Mrs. Balkema's, was sung by the congregation. Mrs. Dan Voorderman served as the organist. Pallbearers were Dr. Walter S. Balkema, Raymond P. Balkema, Clayton N. Balkema, Fred Den Beste, Peter B. Mouw, and Eardley L. Schuetz.

Born at Pella

Born at Pella, Ia., July 26, 1867, Mrs. Balkema (nee Clara Van Rooyen) was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wouter Van Rooyen, who migrated from Pella to Sioux county and settled on a homestead a mile south of Newkirk. She grew to womanhood on the farm and made confession of her faith in the Newkirk Reformed Church. She was married to Nicholas Balkema Dec. 9, 1886, and they moved to Sioux Center in March 1893, when Mr. Balkema went into the retail store business.

Mrs. Balkema is survived by the following six children: Kate, Mrs. Fred Den Beste of S.C.; Dr. Walter Balkema of Sheldon; Florence, Mrs. Peter B. Mouw of S.C.; Raymond of Burlington; Clayton of S.C.; and Lucille, Mrs. Eardley Schuetz of Lincoln, Nebr. One daughter, Jeanette, Mrs. Wm. Van Roekel, preceded her in death. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and the following brothers and sister: John Van Rooyen, Paramount, Cal.; Joe Van Rooyen, Sioux City; Elizabeth, Mrs. Ben Hyink of Sheldon. Four brothers and two sisters preceded her, Neal Van Rooyen; Gertrude, Mrs. J. W. Muilenburg; Jennie, Mrs. James Hyink; Hubert Van Rooyen; Jake Van Rooyen and Henry Van Rooyen. She was also preceded in death by two granddaughters, Alice B. Den Beste and Dorothy E. Balkema.

Source: Sioux Center News, January 6, 1955.