Kurvink, Marie (Mrs. John), 1864-1915

KURVINK, VANGORKEN, SAKSON

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/18/2016 at 18:37:01

From the Rock Valley Bee, June 4, 1915:

DEATH OF MRS. JOHN KURVINK

Mrs. John Kurvink passed peacefully away at her home in this city Monday morning [May 31] after a lingering illness of seven or eight years, at the age of fifty-one years, two months and twenty-six days. During most of this time she has been a great sufferer, but she bore it patiently. During her sickness she submitted to three serious operations. The last one was about two years go, and then the doctors gave her up. The end was expected at most any time, but a strong constitution and good care has enabled her to live longer than would otherwise have been possible. Everything that could possibly be done for her was done, and although the end had been expected for some time, it is nevertheless a great shock to her husband and children.

The subject of this sketch was born at Pella, Ia., March 5th, 1864, where she spent her early life. She came to this county about thirty-five years ago, and had lived in Rock Valley and vicinity since that time. She passed through the hardships of pioneer days, and toiled bravely beside her husband for thirty-three years. She was united in marriage June 2, 1882 to John Kurvink. To this union were born nine children. One died in infancy and the second boy, Iake [Isaac], was accidentally killed about six years ago while running a threshing machine. Those living are Ralph, John, Mary, Will, Jennie, Fred and Nettie. All were here to attend the funeral of their mother.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the house at one o'clock and from the Reformed church at two o'clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. DeJong, and Rev. I. DeJongh of Edgerton, Minn., a former pastor of this church. The bereaved family have the sympathy of many friends.

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From the Alton Democrat, June 5, 1915: Rock Valley news:

Mrs. Marie Kurvink, wife of John Kurvink, who has been an invalid and patient sufferer for several years, and who made a heroic struggle for her life, yielded to the inevitable and peacefully passed to that sun-bright clime where suffering is unknown, on the morning of May 31st, at her home in Rock Valley. She had several operations performed, which only gave her temporary relief, and all that skilled surgery and medical science could do, to give permanent relief was of no avail, and He who gaveth her life, "took back the gift he had but loaned."

The deceased was born at Pella, Ia., March 5, 1864 and at the time of her death was fifty-one years, two months and twenty-six days old. She was married to John Kurvink June 2, 1882 at LeMars. Nine children were born to them, five boys and four girls, seven of whom survive her. Immediately after their marriage they resided on a farm near Seney for a year, when they removed from there to Harrison, S.D., where they lived for five years. In 1888 they returned to Sioux County and located on a farm three miles east of Rock Valley, where they lived until three years ago, when they built a fine home in Rock Valley, where she lived continuously until her passing. The family keenly feel the loss they have sustained and her loving ministries to them and her pleasant words will be treasured up as priceless gems on which their minds will love to dwell in the fondest and most sacred of recollections.

She leaves a kind husband and seven children to mourn her departure, namely: Ralph and John Kurvink of Hancock, Minn.: William and Fred Kurvink of Rock Valley; Misses Mary and Annette Kurvink of Rock Valley, and Mrs. Jennie Van Wouten Berg of Doon, all of whom were present to pay a tribute of respect to a departed mother except Mrs. Van Wouden Berg [yes, the obit spells it two ways], who was detained at home on account of serious illness. She also leaves five brothers and two sisters and other relatives.

By special request of the deceased, Rev. John De Jongh of Edgerton, Minn., her former pastor, conducted the funeral services at the Reformed church Wednesday afternoon at 1:30, assisted by the pastor Rev. B. De Jongh, in the presence of a large company of sympathizing friends. Beautiful floral tributes graced her bier. Her remains were laid to rest in Valley View cemetery. May she rest in peace, in the confident hope of a reunion in that land of light, where joy and peace abide. The bereaved family have the sympathy of their many friends in their hour of extreme sadness.

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Iowa Marriage Records 1880-1937 on Ancestry.com show Jno. Kurvink, age 24, born Wisconsin, a Sioux County farmer, parents Rutloff Kurvink and Jane DeGroat, marrying Mary Van Gorken, age 19, daughter of Isaac Van Gorken and Mary Sakson[?], in LeMars, Iowa, June 5, 1882. Also see his obituary (posted separately).