Balkema, James 1872-1965

BALKEMA, KLINK

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/5/2012 at 08:56:24

Funeral Services Held for James Balkema

James Balkema, 92, died Thursday, February 25, 1965 in Denver, Colo., where he had resided since August, 1963. He was born March 17, 1872, in Wisconsin, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Balkema. He came to Sioux County in 1888 and farmed near Newkirk until he retired in 1947. On December 7, 1890, he married Martha Klink.

Survivors include Mrs. Eben Wibben (Tena) of Yankton, S. Dak., Charles K. of Aloha, Oregon, Peter J. of Denver, Colo., fourteen grandchildren, fifty-two great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren. One child, Marian Balkema, preceded him in death.

Mr. Balkema's funeral was held March 2 at 10:30 o'clock in the American Reformed Church, Rev. Alvin A. Hook officiating. Special music was provided by Miss Kay Korver, soloist and Mrs. Fred Buseman, organist. Pallbearers, Mr. Balkema's grandsons, were James L. Balkema, James T. Balkema, George Wibben, Harold Wibben, James Wibben, and Willis Wibben. The Van Etten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements with interment in the West Lawn Cemetery.

Source: Sioux County Capital, March 4, 1965.

* * * * * * * * * *

Funeral services for James Balkema, 92, former Orange City resident who died in Denver, Colo., where he had resided with a son, were Tuesday at the American Reformed Church in Orange City. The Rev. Alvin Hook officiated and burial was in West Lawn Cemetery under the direction of the Van Etten Funeral Home.

The Balkema family lived for many years on a farm about seven miles northeast of Orange City, before moving into town. While on the farm, Mr. Balkema was active in the Farm Bureau and served as secretary of the Newkirk Consolidated School Board for many years. Mrs. Balkema died in 1949.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Eben Wibben of Mission Hill, S.D., and two sons, Peter of Denver, Colo., and Charles of Portland, Ore., 34 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Source: Alton Democrat, March 4, 1965.

* * * * * * * * * *

Jas. Balkema, 92, an Orange City resident for many years, passed away Thursday morning, Feb. 25, in a hospital at Denver, Colo., after a week's illness. Mr. Balkema had been making his home with his son, Peter, in Orange City for about 15 years and spent the last 2 years with them at Denver, when they moved there to be near their son, James and family.

Mr. Balkema was born at Sheboygan Falls, Wis., March 17, 1873. He lived in the Newkirk vicinity with his family for many years, and later Mr. and Mrs. Balkema retired to Orange City where she passed away in 1948. Their son, Marion, preceded in death in 1949. Surviving are 1 daughter: Tena--Mrs. Eben Wibben of Mission Hill, Minnesota; 2 sons: Charley Balkema of Portland, Ore., and Peter Balkema of Denver, Colo.; 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

The children and several of the grandchildren arrived to attend the funeral service, which was held at the American Ref. Church of Orange City; also Mrs. Marion Balkema, who arrived from Seal Beach, Calif., with her 2 sons and a daughter to attend the funeral. The Rev. Alvin Hook officiated and burial was made in the Orange City cemetery under the direction of the Van Etten Funeral Home.

Source: Alton Democrat, March 11, 1965: Orange City Oracle section.