DenHerder, Elmer 1908-1978

DENHERDER, VREEMAN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 1/20/2013 at 13:37:49

Sioux Center News of May 31, 1978
Elmer's world began on a farm, and he never left it by Wayne Domlnowskl
Elmer Den Herder, 69, was born August 14,1908, in Sioux Center. Those of use who call him to mind today, think of a gentleman with silver hair, a broad but stately face, and flush, rosey cheeks. His stature is straight, even with increasing years, and much of that—people tell you
comes by way of his hardy farm upbringing and Dutch heritage.

The son of Gerrit E. and Hattie Den Herder, Elmer was reared on a farm just south of Sioux Center. That farm stands today, a Century Farm, hand built by Gerrit from concrete blocks. (These were poured and laid eight at a time, and the sturdiness is much in evidence today as it was over 70 years ago.) There are four sons and two daughters born to the Elmer and Christine Den Herder couple. Jim, Roger, Paul, Phil, Mary, and Carol, each reared in the
northwest Iowa community. "I have always tried to teach my children the values I hold
close," he once told NEWS reporter Wayne Dominowski. "Material things, what money buys, isn't the thing," Elmer said. "That sort of life leads no where." Instead, he pointed out, " I ope they (his children) learned something about God love, and togetherness." The family history of the Elmer Den Herders is marked with accomplishments, and many of these, friends and associates will tell you, have flowered because the gentleman from Sioux Center is resolute,
sincere, friendly and a hard worker. crossed the Representative's desk. Legislators, both Republican and Democrat, have sought Elmer's advice. And when there was an impasse on the floor, when a vote was at hand without resolution, it was Elmer's guiding hand that had brought agreement.

Life has not always easily compromised for Elmer and Christine. He had been not only a legislator and down-home farmer, but a father as well. He grieved when Jim, age 22, died tragically in a tractor accident in 1954. Then again, in June, 1975, Roger, age 41, died. The Den Herder family grieved, the NEWS was told in the recounting of those personal tragedies. Yet, in the midst of those moments, Elmer and Christine There was little difference in the person as elected official, father, husband, farmer and citizen. Elmer, is the second eldest of seven
children and was reared with sisters Lyda (Mrs. Al DeVries), and Janice (Mrs. Jim Sandbulte of Luverne), and brothers John H, Gordon, Alvin and Kenneth. He attended both elementary and high school in Sioux Center, Hope college for two years, and graduated from Northwestern
Academy in Orange City. He met and subsequently married Christine,( the former Christine Vreeman) in 1931, and continued farming the land he grew to love and cherish.

In the Iowa House, where Elmer was first elected in 1956, Des Moines Register reporter Jerry Szumski, said of the 22 year veteran legislator: "He is one of the most honest people I've met." Elmer has taken Szumski into his confidence through the years, and the Register reporter said of the association: "He didn't hedge; he told me exactly what was happening and where he stood on issues." Christine attended sessions of the Iowa House with her husband. She aided him with the mounds of paper work that picked up the pieces of their lives. Both have said that in their moments of grief, there has come strength. "I think my father was concerned about the spiritual meaning of life," said son Paul. "It didn't matter what a person had materially. Rather he was more interested in the person, the individual."
The state legislator has liked visiting with his constituents. 'He likes to talk,' his friends say with a smile. The truth is, (Please turn to page 5)
There seems to be little difference in t he person as elected official, father, husband, farmer, and citizen; Elmer's activities, his trademark, aren't alterable from one role to another. "1 worked with Dad as a page in the House," daughter Carol said, "and it was through those experiences I learned what he felt and saw his concern for everyone. He certainly taught me the meaning of the word work. "He's been extremely strong through all listening to my thoughts. I guess some parents might have kept their children from trying new directions; Dad didn't. In the community of Sioux Center, Elmer has remained active. He was the first
elected president of the Sioux Center Hospital Association in 1946. "He worked unendingly in the hospital's endeavor; he volunteered that help, and our hospital's existence today is mainly due to Elmer's initiative then," said city manager Darrel Rensink. He's served as both an elder and deacon at the First Reformed Church, as well as worked in a myriad of capacities in the church. "I've had a number of opportunities to work with Elmer on key municipal issues," Rensink said. "He's very open, always wanted to hear all sides...he wants his
decision to represent the best interests of all people concerned."
People of this area have, in Elmer Den Herder, a man who has held their interests foremost and represented their needs and concerns whenever and wherever he could. Through relationships with his family, constituents, personal friends, and public, he gives to these people a part of his character and philosophy, which will continue to grow.
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Elmer Den Herder passed away Friday afternoon in Sioux Center at the age of 69 years. On June 16, 1931, in Sioux Center he was united in marriage to Christine Vreeman who now survives. To this union six children were born; Paul of Sioux Center; Phil of Sioux Center; Mary, Mrs. Warren Vande Berg of Marquette, MI.; Carol of Sioux Center. Two sons preceded him in death...James on Dec. 13, 1954 and Roger on June 10, 1975. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and the following brothers and sisters; Alyda, Mrs. Albert De Vries; John H.; Gordon; Alvin; Kenneth; all of Sioux Center, and Janice, Mrs. James Sandbulte of Luverne, MN. One sister, Jeanne preceded him in infancy. Mr. Den Herder served in the Iowa House of Representatives for 22 years and was an outstanding leader in many chirch and community affairs. His passing is mourned by many friends and relatives.

Source: Obit of Vander Ploeg Funeral Home of Sioux Center