Karssen, Gerrit 1897-1960

KARSSEN, BEUKELMAN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer
Date: 3/4/2015 at 22:52:48

Source: Siouxland Press (after 5-20-1960)

Birth: May 20, 1897
Death: May 20, 1960

Gerrit Karssen, a resident of Alton for 32 years, died at the Orange City Hospital May 20th on his 63rd birthday. He had been ill for four months and was previously hospitalized in Sioux City, then returned to his home here until a few days before his passing. His early death is regretted by a host of friends.

Born at Hull, Iowa May 20, 1897, he accompanied his parents to Leota, Minnesota where he was married March 10, 1925 to Miss Emma Beukelman, who survives him, together with three children: Ed and Pete of Alton; Edith, Mrs. Howard Van Roekel of Maurice. Also surviving are two brothers and a sister: Ed Karssen of Hawarden; Bill of Chandler, Minnesota; Marie, Mrs. Tony Kooiman of Ogilvie, Minnesota.

After their marriage the couple farmed near Leota for two years. An injury forced Mr. Karssen to quit farming and the family later came to Alton, where he operated a produce and service station on Highway 10 in the old creamery. For seven years he was employed at the Kaschmitter Hatchery and then at the Farmers Co-op Oil station here. For the last several years he was janitor at Slagle Lbr. Co. until retired by illness.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 23 at the First Reformed Church of Alton, of which he was a member. Reverend Ralph Meyer officiated. Pallbearers were nephews namely Floyd, Dick and Pete Beukelman, Howard Ruisch, Bernard and Darrell Karssen. Burial was in Nassau Township Cemetery.

Mr. Karssen was a devoted family man, honest and reliable and of friendly disposition. Many of his friends and relatives from Minnesota and Iowa towns came for the funeral on Monday.