VanderBok, Rev Adam 1846-1914

VANDERBOK, VANDERVALK

Posted By: Janet Bosler - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/27/2013 at 11:36:35

Alton Democrat issue of 22 August 1914 Rock Valley column.

Rev. Adam Vander Bok, father of our merchant, Arend Vander Bok, died Monday evening at his home in Rock Valley. He has been an invalid for several years, having suffered a stroke of paralysis. His death was due to a second stroke. He was about sixty-seven years of age and was the first pastor of the Christian Reformed church in Rock Valley. The funeral will occur Friday at the Christian Reformed church. His obituary will appear next week.
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Alton Democrat August 29, 1914

Born: 10-06-1846
Died: 08-17-1914

Rev. Adam Vander Bok, one of Rock Valley's highly esteemed citizens, died at his home Monday morning August 17th of paralysis, after an illness of short duration. He had suffered two slight strokes previous to this which affected his speech, which incapacitated him for active work in the ministry.

Deceased was born at Stad aan t Haringvliet, Holland, October 6th, 1846, and at the time of his passing was sixty-seven years, ten months and eleven days old. In 1872, when in th e vigor of manhood, filled with bright hopes and happy anticipations, he came to America to seek fortune and fame and located at Patterson, N. J. The following year he was married to Miss Tena Vander Valk.

They lived happily together, sharing the joys and vicissitudes of life together. Ten children were born to them, four of whom died in infancy, and Peter, who was preparing himself for the ministry, died at Rock Valley some three years ago.

Several years ago he was bereft of his faithful and devoted companion, and since that time he and his two daughters, Misses Agnes and Katie, have maintained their home. Mr. Vander Bok decided that the ministry should be his life work, and he moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., from Patterson, N. J., and spent five years in college in preparation for his chosen profession.

After completing his education, he received a call to become the pastor of the Christian Reformed church of Rock Valley, which he accepted, it being his first charge and he was the church's first pastor. He was ordained May 2nd, 1897, and immediately assumed the duties of his pastorate , which he acceptably filled for seven years, when in 1904 he received and accepted a call from the Christian Reformed church at Ebenezer, S.D., which he served a year and a half when, by reason of affliction, he relinquished his charge and returned to Rock Valley, where he built a home and continuously resided till his passing.

He was a devout and consistent Christian of unimpeachable character. He was gifted with a loving nature that admired and followed the true and beautiful. Winning by his gentleness, he held the love and esteem of his associates and intimate friends. May the fragrance of his life linger with us as the beautiful strains of sweet music and may his loved ones endeavor to emulate his noble Christian life.

He is survived by five children, namely, Mrs. Hester Van Otterloo, Misses Agnes and Katie Vander Bok and Henry and Arendt Vander Bok, the latter being engaged in the mercantile business here.
Also two brothers, Peter and John Vander Bok of Patterson, N.J., who were not able to attend the funeral.

The funeral services occurred at the Christian Reformed church Friday afternoon August 21st conducted by the pastor, Rev. John Holwerda, assisted by Rev. H. J. Heynen of Inwood and Rev. Muyskens of Sioux Center, after which he was laid to rest by the side of his companion in Valley View cemetery. Peace to his ashes. The relatives and friends have the sympathy of the community in their hour of sorrow.