Postma, Gerka D., 1835-1915

POSTMA, LEEGSMA

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/10/2015 at 20:09:51

From the Rock Valley Bee, February 5, 1915:

G. D. POSTMA DEAD

G. D. Postma died at his home in Rock Valley Wednesday [February 3] at 8:30 o'clock. He would have been eighty years old had he lived until the 17th of next March. He had not been well for some time past, but was able to be up and around until a few months ago. We are unable to get further particulars in time for publication this week but will give full particulars next week.

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From the Rock Valley Bee, February 12, 1915:

DEATH OF G. D. POSTMA

The funeral of G. D. Postma, a brief mention of whose death was made in last week's Bee, was held Saturday from the Reformed church in this city conducted by the pastor, Rev. B. DeJonge, and the remains were buried in the Valley View Cemetery.

The deceased was born in Friesland, Holland, March 17, 1835, and died February 3, 1915, at the age of seventy-nine years, ten months and sixteen days, his death being due to the general decline of old age, hastened by a cancer in his mouth. His early years were spent in his native land. At the age of twelve years, with his parents, he came to this country and settled at Pella Ia., where he spent over forty years of his life. He moved to Sioux county in the spring of 1889 and since that time had lived in Rock Valley and vicinity until death claimed him.

He was united in marriage February 14, 1863, to Miss [initial obscured] Leegsma, who still survives him. To this union were born six children, five sons and one daughter, all of whom are living except one, Mrs. Vander Ploeg, who died May 28, 1896. Those living are Wm. Postma of Monroe, Ia., Richard, John, Ben, and Harry of Rock Valley and vicinity. All were at the bedside of their father during his last illness.

The deceased spent the last twenty-five years of his life in this vicinity and was a man who bore the honor and respect of all who knew him. He was kind and generous with his family and was a good neighbor and a true friend. The bereaved family have the sympathy of many friends in their sorrow.

(Elsewhere in this issue of the Bee are Resolutions of Sympathy to Brother John Postma for the death of his father, G. D. Postma, by Rock Valley Lodge No. 496, I.O.O.F.)

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From the Alton Democrat, February 13, 1915: Rock Valley news:

Gerka D. Postma passed to the great beyond at his home in Rock Valley February 3, his death being due to old age. The end came without any apparent sign of suffering. As he passed away surrounded by his aged companion and devoted children, his face assumed a marked expression of relief and he left no doubt in the minds of those who watched by his side, that he had entered into rest. He retained to the time of his passing, full possession of all his reasoning faculties.

The subject of this sketch was born in the Netherlands March 17, 1835, and at the time of his death he was seventy-nine years, ten months and sixteen days of age. In 1847 when a young lad of twelve years, he emigrated with his parents to America and came to Pella, Ia., where he grew to manhood. February 14, 1863, he was married to Miss Seibragtse Leegsma of Pella, Ia., and six children were born to them, all of whom survive him except Mrs. Dirk Vander Ploeg who died at Rock Valley in 1886.

He removed with his family from Pella to Sioux county in 1889 and located on a farm west of town, and passed through the adventures and privations incident to such life. In 1901 he retired from farm life and moved to Rock Valley. His life throughout was one of intense activity and toil, and he succeeded in acquiring a competency to sustain himself and family in the decline of life. He was a devout member of the Reformed church and endeavored to live a consistent Christian life. He was a kind father and loving husband, a faithful friend, neighbor and citizen, and a man of a generous disposition.

He had twenty-four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He leaves an aged companion and five children to mourn his departure, namely, William Postma of Monroe, Ia., John, Ben, Dick and Harry Postma all of Rock Valley. All were present to pay their last tribute of respect to a loving father. The funeral services were held at the First Reformed church in Rock Valley last Saturday afternoon at two o'clock under the auspices of the pastor, Rev. B. De Jong[sic], in the presence of sympathizing friends. His remains were consigned to the last home of man in Valley View cemetery. May he rest in peace.

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The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Postma, Gerka, b. 17 Mar 1835 d. 3 Feb 1915 Father Valley View Cem Rock Valley IA.