Huizenga, Frank J., 1872-1915

HUIZENGA, STOMPE

Posted By: Lydia Luas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/11/2016 at 17:50:56

From the Alton Democrat, November 13, 1915:

DR. F. J. HUIZENGA DIES AT ROCK VALLEY

With deep regret we are called to chronicle the sad demise of Dr. Frank J. Huizenga, which occurred Monday morning at Rock Valley due to an injury sustained in an automobile accident. Despite all that medical skill could do, he stepped across life's busy stage and forever disappeared behind the curtain of mortality. The circumstances under which he was called away were peculiarly sad and distressing and has cast a gloom over the entire community.

The subject of tis sketch was born at Mattoax, Amelia county, Va., September 2, 1872, and at the time of his passing was forty-three years, one month and ten days of age. When in tender years, he with his parents moved to Holland, Neb., where his father Rev. John Huizenga, had accepted the pastorate of the Reformed church. He grew to manhood in that community and availed himself of such advantages of education as the school of that locality afforded. He also attended the Academy at Orange City, and the Normal school at Fremont, Neb. Afterwards he devoted himself to teaching, which aided in a material way to prepare himself for his chosen profession.

He chose the medial profession for which he was eminently fitted by nature. He attended Rush Medical College at Chicago and graduated with honors from that institution in 1895, and came to Rock Valley and began the practice of his profession. He formed the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth Stompe, which culminated in their marriage at Chicago, November 26, 1895, and as a result of this union two sons, Francis and Bernard, came to gladden their home.

In 1909 he purchased the Handy hotel building and converted same into a hospital and the institution became quite popular in northwest Iowa, and he became popular as a surgeon, and was successful in his line of work. As a physician and surgeon he was favorably known and as the word was heralded abroad, "Doctor Huizenga is dead," our citizens by the score bowed their heads and silently wept as they thought of the past, how, when in their time of suffering he came and ministered to them, bringing with him that great panacea, sunshine and cheer, which radiated the sick chamber and in some instances proved to be an elixir full of inspiration to the patients, and he possessed the faculty of making it effective, and truly like the Great Shepherd, he went about healing all manner of diseases.

He was of a genial disposition and his large, generous soul was as full of music as a storm cloud is of electricity. His life was made a fountain of joy to many. He enjoyed to a high degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, and was elected as coroner of Sioux county, and served several terms. He also was elcted as a member of the board of education and city council of Rock Valley for several terms. He was employed as local physician for the C. M. & St. P. Ry., at the time of his death. In all of these positions of public trust, he devoted himself with fidelity and zeal. His death was untimely and we mourn his loss as a community, but the genial influence of his presence has left an impression for good that can only be erased by time. He will be greatly missed in the community and keenly so by his devoted family.

Funeral services occurred at the First Reformed church Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock under the supervision of the pastor, Rev. B. De Jong, assisted by Rev. W. P. Webb, pastor of the Methodist church. All places of business were closed from one o'clock until five o'clock as a mark of respect. The business men and others contributed a beautiful floral Roman urn, and his bier was laden with a bank of flowers, which was an evidence of the esteem in which he was held by our citizens. It is estimated that over one thousand people attended the services, all nearby towns were represented. At the conclusion of the services at the church a long line of automobiles followed his remains to their last resting place in Valley View cemetery.

He leaves an aged father, a loving companion and two sons, two brothers -- Dr. Richard Huizenga of Chicago and John A. Huizenga of Rock Valley, and three sisters: Mrs. Isaac Hospers of Orange City; Mrs. A. J. Musty, Newtonville, Mass.; and Mrs. John De Bey of Doon. All were present at the funeral except Mrs. A. J. Musty and Mrs. Isaac Hospers who were detained at home on account of unavoidable circumstances. Those who attended the funeral from abroad were: Mrs. L. Den Harder, an aunt, of Holland, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stompe, Mr. and Mrs. George Stompe and Mrs. Peter Kelder of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Marshall, Council Bluffs; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd V. Reany of Ieton[Ireton?]. The relatives and friends have the profound sympathy of the community in their hour of extreme sorrow and grief. W.I.M.

Dr. Frank J. Huizenga was easily one of the leaders in his profession. As a surgeon he had the courage and skill which come with hard study and practice although the practice of medicine appeared almost intuitive with him. In the every day affairs of life Frank Huizenga was also a leader. His untimely death while yet in the vigor of young manhood only shows how frail a hold even the stoutest hands may have on that intangible thing we call life. (Editor Democrat.)

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Dr. Huizenga's death was reported in several other area newspapers, although the Alton Democrat obit is the most extensive. The Rock Valley newspaper for this period is missing.

The Alton Democrat, Rock Valley news, November 6, 1915, reported on his accident: Tuesday afternoon Dr. F. J. Huizenga had a professional call to make in the country, and when he was at the west approach of the bridge near the creamery in some manner he lost control of the steering gear, and the machine struck the northwest corner of the bridge, breaking the post of the guard rail and the car went down a six-foot embankment and landed near the water. Ed Vander Stoep and others saw the accident and hurried to his relief. When they arrived they found him in a dazed condition and bleeding profusely from wounds made from the broken windshield on his hands and face. He was immediately taken by Mr. Vande Stoep in his auto to the hospital where Dr. Lock attended to his injuries. On examination it was found that he had sustained three broken ribs and a badly lacerated hand.

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Huizenga, Frank J., b. 28 Sep 1872 d. 8 Nov.1925, evidently a transcripton error.