Brouwer, John, 1877-1914

BROUWER

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/7/2015 at 07:54:41

From the Rock Valley Bee, October 2, 1914:

Death of John Brouwer

John Brouwer passed away at the home of his mother in this city Friday morning, Sept. 26th, after a lingering illness with tuberculosis of over two years. Two years ago when he first began to feel the effects of the disease he went to Colorado, where he remained a few months and being helped some by the change of climate, he returned to Sioux County and worked at his trade, painting. Last fall he began to fail and again went to Colorado where he remained until ten weeks before his death. He was in the hospital most of the time during his last stay in Colorado and failed constantly all the time he was there. When he found there was no hope for him he returned to Rock Valley to spend the few remaining weeks of his life.

The subject of this sketch was born in the Netherlands June 3rd, 1877, and was at the time of his death thirty-seven years, three months, and twenty-two days old. When he was seventeen years of age he came to this country and had lived in Sioux county almost ever since, following the painter's trade at which he was very successful. His father died in the Netherlands two years before the deceased came to this country. The rest of the family came here about eight or nine years ago. Mr. Brouwer was an honest and conscientious young man and all who knew him regret his untimely death.

Funeral services were from the Reformed church Monday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev. B. De Jonge, and interment took place in the Valley View Cemetery. Besides his mother he leaves to mourn four brothers, Peter who is in Africa, and Case, Ira and Nick of Rock Valley. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of a number of friends in their sorrow.