VanLaar, Detje (Mrs. J. W.), 1863-1915

VANLAAR, ZIELHUIS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/17/2016 at 20:44:09

From the Rock Valley Bee, May 14, 1915:

DEATH OF MRS. VAN LAAR

Mrs. J. W. Van Laar passed away at the Mayo Hospital at Rochester, Minn., Saturday morning [May 8] following an operation for cancer. She was fifty-one years, eight months and eighteen days old. She had been suffering for some time but was up and about her work until almost three weeks ago when she was taken to Rochester, Minn. Last winter she was sick about two months but had apparently recovered. Shortly after arriving at Rochester, she submitted to an operation from which she recovered. Later it was found that another operation was necessary, and she rallied from the second for a short time, and then became rapidly worse until death came to relieve her suffering.

The remains were brought to Rock Valley and short funeral services were held at the late home of the deceased Tuesday at 12:30, and at the Christian Reformed church in this city at 2 o'clock p.m., the services being conducted by Rev. Heinan of the Christian Reformed church at Inwood, and the remains were buried in the Valley View cemetery. The services were largely attended by sympathizing friends.

The subject of this sketch was born in Wezep, Holland, August 22, 1863, where she spent her early life and grew to womanhood. In 1891 she was united in marriage to J. W. Van Laar who still survives her. To this union were born eight children, four boys and four girls, all of whom are living and were present at their mother's funeral. The children are Henry, Lambertus, Gerald, Dora, Grace, Hellen, John and Henrietta. They are all at home. Henry, Lambertus and Grace have been attending college at Grand Rapids and were called home by their mother's death. They will not return until fall as their year's work was practically finished.

The deceased came to this country in 1907 settling at Grand Rapids, Mich. After living there four years the family came to Rock Valley which has been their home since that time. The deceased was a devout Christian woman and member of the Christian Reformed church. She will be greatly missed in the home and the bereaved children and husband have the sympathy of many friends in their sorrow.

* * * * * * * * * *

A briefer obit in the Alton Democrat (Rock Valley news), May 15, 1915, adds her full marriage date: May 8, 1891.

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Van Laar, Detje (Zielhuis), b. 1863, d. 1915, Valley View Cemetery, Rock Valley.

Minnesota death certificate # 1915-MN-009065.