Dykstra Rev. B.D.1871-1955

DYKSTRA, VANDERSCHAAF, SCHIPPERS

Posted By: Mary Lou Verburg Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/25/2016 at 20:52:01

Father of Local Pastor Dies at Orange City
Rev. B. D. Dykstra, father of Rev. A. A. Dykstra of Rock Valley, died Tuesday at his home in Orange City of what was described, as a heart condition. He was 83 at the time. The Rev. Mr. Dykstra had a minor attack Sunday from which he apparently rallied but his age, coupled with other complications brought death Tuesday. Broe Doekeles Dykstra son of D. R. Dykstra and Betsche Vander Schaaf, was born in Pingkum, Friesland on Nov. 21, 1871. He came to the United States with his parents, at the age of 11 and spent his further boyhood, days on the family farm three miles west of Sioux Center. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. After graduation from Northwestern Classical Academy he continued his educational preparation at Hope College, graduating with A. B. degree in 1896. He was graduated from Western Theological Seminary at Holland, Mi. in 1900. Two years of post-graduate work, were pursued at Yale University, looking toward the Ph.D. degree. His teaching career began in Sioux county public schools. From here he went to Harrison, S.D., where he served as principal of the Classical Academy from 1902 to 1906. From 1907-1908 he taught in Platte, S. D., High School where he also served as superintendent from 1910— 1911 .Two years were occupied as Deputy county superintendent of Charles Mix county schools in South Dakota. He served as resident pastor of Platte Reformed church for 11 years, followed by seven years as classical missionary for the Dakotas. In 1920 he became principal of the Platte Christian school and in 1923 he returned to Harrison Classical Academy where he taught for five years, followed by four years as principal. In 1928 he moved to Orange City where he became Editor of the Volksvried, serving in that capacity for eight years. He was married to Nelly Schippers of Pella, Jan. 8, 1909, in a service at the First Reformed church of Sioux Center.
He is survived by his widow and nine children;: Betsche, Mrs. Marion Schippers of Pella, Rev. V Adelphos A., pastor at Rock Valley; Ava, -Mrs. Dwight BerkbUe of Los Angeles, Calif.; Rev. D. Ivan Ph. D. professor of philosophy at Hope college in Holland, Mich.; Rev. Anthony P., pastor of Interlaken, N. Y., Reformed church; Reinard H. of Sioux Center; Rev. Wesley C., professor of Philosophy at Muskegun College, New Concord Ohio; Virgil H. Ph. D., professor f Philosophy at University of Eugene, Ore.; E. David, instructor at University of Iowa at Iowa City.
One son Clemens Aquila, preceded in death at four months while living at Platte, S. D.

Also surviving his passing are 4 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. At Rev. Dykstra's request the funeral service is to be at First Reformed church of Sioux Center with Rev. H. Colenbrander and Rev. Leroy Nattress of Orange City in charge. Deceased was a member of the First Reformed church of Orange City. The six oldest sons will serve as pall bearers. Interment will be at Sioux Center with Van Etten Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Source: Rock Valley Bee 3/31/1955