VanRoekel, William A., 1892-1956

VANROEKEL, WIELENGA

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/5/2012 at 00:40:59

Maurice Man in Serious Condition With Shotgun Wound

William Van Roekel, who farms southwest of Maurice, is in serious condition in a LeMars hospital with self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Van Roekel shot himself twice in the chest with a .410 gauge shotgun, in what was described as a suicite attempt.

Sheriff Harry Dykstra said that Van Roekel shot himself in the basement of his home at 6:30 a.m. Monday [Dec. 10]. He was still able to walk and went upstairs to call his family. His wife, son and grandson were all asleep in upstairs bedrooms. His son immediately rushed him to Sacred Heart Hospital in LeMars.

Emergency surgery was performed at the hospital. Mr. Van Roekel was reported to still be in serious condition Tuesday morning, but was given a chance for recovery.

Source: Sioux County Capital, December 13, 1956.

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Wm. Van Roekel Rites At Maurice

Funeral services for Wm. Van Roekel, 64, who died at the LeMars hospital Wednesday [Dec. 12] from gunshot wounds which were self-inflicted Monday, Dec. 12, at his home southwest of Maurice, were held Saturday at the First Reformed church in Maurice. Rev. D. Laman officiated and a male quartet furnished music. Pallbearers were nephews: Abe J. Van Roekel, Abe H. Van Roekel, Art T. Van Roekel, John Van Engen, John Van Roekel, Corn. Langstraat. Mrs. Wallace Muilenburg was organist. Among those present from a distance were a brother, Tony Van Roekel and Mrs. Van Roekel of Sibley and their children, Mrs. and Mrs. Luchtenberg of Dundee, Minn.

Source: Alton Democrat, December 20, 1956.

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Funeral services were held Saturday, December 15, at 1:30 p.m. at the First Reformed church of Maurice for Mr. William A. Van Roekel, who died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon. He had reached the age of 64 years, 5 months and 29 days. Services were held in the home at 1 p.m. immediately preceding the church service. Rev. D. Laman officiated. Burial was made in the Maurice cemetery under the arrangements of Vander Ploeg's Funeral Home.

Mr. Van Roekel was born June 13, 1892, at Orange City. He was united in marriage to Mary Wielenga on April 4, 1912. To this union six children were born.

Survivors include his wife; the six children, namely: Abe and Louis of Maurice; Nancy, Mrs. Andrew Vander Schaaf of Sioux Center; Marion and Sadie, Mrs. Harry Hoekstra both of Maurice and Wilbur of Rock Rapids; ten grandchildren; and four brothers and three sisters, Wilmina, Mrs. Dirk Fransen; George, Tony; Tena, Mrs. John Van Engen; Henry; Bert and Gertrude, Mrs. Harry Resink. Three brothers and one sister preceded him: John; Gerrit A.; Johannes and Celia, Mrs. Henry Lanstraat. Also one son-in-law and one grandchild preceded him.
[the list of pallbearers follows]

Source: Sioux Center News, December 27, 1956.