VanderSchaaf, Douwe J. - 1864-1949

VANDERSCHAAF, KOOIKER, VANT HOF, SLOWINSKI

Posted By: Linda Vander Linden-Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/25/2013 at 14:04:36

Sioux Center News, July 2, 1949

Hull - Douwe J. Vander Schaaf was born February 9, 1864, in the Netherlands, Province of Friesland. He was left an orphan when 3 years old and was raised by a relative. When he was sixteen, he came to America, settling in Sioux County, and working as a farm laborer near Hull, Iowa.

On September 3, 1888, he was married to Clara Kooiker and began farming independently. Eight children were born to this union. Hes first wife passed away in February, 1910.

In the fall of 1910, he left the farm and went into the implement business. This he sold in 1913 to start the first electric light plant in Hull. This same year he married Mrs. Jennie Van't Hof.

He disposed of his light plant to the Northwestern Electric Co. in 1919 and in 1923 he started the first hatchery in Hull.

In March, 1926, his second wife died and he went to live with his son, Dewey, in Holland, Mich. In June, 1928 he was married to Mrs. Mary Slowinski from Holland, who preceded him in death in 1933. Since that time he has made his home with his children.

During his life he was very active in community affairs. He was a charter member of the First Reformed Church, and later of the American Reformed Church. He also served on the boards of the Co-op elevator, lumber yard, and creamery at the time they were first organized.

He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Hymans, on the evening of July 10, at the age of 85 years, 6 months and 2 days. One son, James preceded him in death on January 30, 1927 at the age of 37 years.

Survivors are Rose (Mrs. Henry Hymans) of Hull; Bert of Sheboygan, Wisc; Kate (Mrs. John Hymans) of Hull; Harry of Hull; Ralph of Rock Rapids; Dewey of Sheboygan, Wis; and Annette (Mrs. Fred Lutjens) of Sioux City. He also had twenty-nine grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren.

Services were held on July 15 at the American Reformed Church, the Rev. Bovenkerk and Rev. De Jong officiating.