Bonnes, John (Captain) 1850-1945

BONNES, ERKES

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 7/13/2016 at 15:34:20

Source: Sioux County Capital (6-7-1945)

Born: November 12, 1850
Died: June 4, 1945

CAPTAIN JOHN BONNES

Death came to John Bonnes, 95, Monday morning, June 4, as a result of shock caused by a fall at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R.H. Zimmerman, at Le Mars Friday, May 18.

He was born November 12, 1850 at Wildervonk, Gronigen, The Netherlands. When a lad of 13, he became a cabin-boy on a ship. He worked and learned until the age of 21 when he became Captain of the ship.

March 12, 1874 he was married to Miss Angelena Erkes of Wildervonk. Mr. Bonnes continued work as a Captain until 1882. During that time, he was on every continent. It was when he was gone to some far-away port that he was held up by a storm, and in the meantime two of his children died. This ended his career as a Captain, and he decided to come to America. In 1883 Mr. and Mrs. Bonnes and their two remaining children came to the United States, where he began work on a railroad. He continued this work for a few years. Then they moved to a farm south of Orange City. Later they retired and moved to town. His wife died in 1933, and since that time, he had been living alone until May 2 of this year.

Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Elsiena Zimmerman of Le Mars, Mrs. J.M. Hofland of Orange City, Mrs. John Hofman of Sanborn, and Mrs. Ben Hofman, also of Sanborn. The surviving sons are John Bonnes of Lansing, Minnesota, and Cornelius Bonnes of Round Lake, Minnesota. There are 42 grandchildren, 103 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Three children preceded him in death.

Mr. Bonnes was a life-long member of the Christian Reformed Church. One of the outstanding accomplishments of his Christian work was the organizing of the Carnes Church.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, June 7, at 1:15 at the Funeral Home in Sioux Center, and at 2 o’clock in the First Christian Reformed Church in Orange City. Reverend O. Breen will officiate in the absence of Dr. Bronkema. Interment will be in the Orange City Cemetery.