Zorgdrager, Clarence, 1907-1998

ZORGDRAGER, BRINKHUIS, BUYSMAN

Posted By: Mary Lou Verburg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/17/2013 at 18:10:53

Sioux Center News January 2, 1999

Born Sept. 29, 1907
Died Dec. 31, 1998

Clarence Zorgdrager, 91, Sibley, died Thursday, Dec. 31, at Sibley Nursing and Rehab Center.

Services were Monday, Jan. 4, at First Presbyterian Church in Sibley, with Rev. Douglas Darnold officiating. Burial was at Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley, under the direction of Walton, Roste & Vogel Funeral Home.

Clarence Zorgdrager, son of John and Christina (Brinkhuis, Zorgdrager, was born Sept 29, 1907, in Hospers. He was raised in the Matlock and Harris areas. He graduated from Harris High School and attended one year of college in Grand Island, Ne, where he played football. After receiving his education, he began working for farmers as a hired hand. He married Irene Buysman on Dec. 30, 1936, He was a strong, hard worker. He was employed by farmers in the Melvin, Paullina, and Sibley areas. He felt his best employer was Walt Henderson at Paullina. They moved to their home in Sibley in January of 1978, after retiring. He had been a resident of Sibley Nursing and Rehab Center since March 1, 1994.

He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Sibley. He loved to sing and had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed working outdoors and was known for his outstanding gardening talents. He often shared the vegetables and flowers he grew. As an avid fisherman, he often filled his spare time trying to catch bullheads. He was a tender-hearted man who had a strong concern for others. He found one way he could assist friends was by repairing items or performing tasks they could not do themselves.

Survivors include two sons, LeRoy and Jan Zorgdrager of Omaha, Ne.; and Vernon Zorgdrager of Dakota City, Ne.; six grandchildren; a brother Lawrence Zorgdrager of Primghar; and a sister, Dena Korthals of Hills Mn.

He was preceded in death by his wife Irene; his parents; three sisters, Tena Scholten, Henrietta Venekamp and Christina Buchman; and three brothers, Abraham, John and Elmer Zorgdrager.