VanZee, Dena (Mrs. Cornelius) 1872-1944

VANZEE, DEJONG, AALFS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg (email)
Date: 8/8/2016 at 04:20:10

Sioux County Capital June 22, 1944

Born 16 Sep 1872 died 15 June 1944
Mrs. C. Van Zee, nee Dena Aalfs was born in the Province of Gronigen, the Netherlands on Sept 16, 1872 and came to America with her father and mother five brothers and sisters at the age of 11. The family first settled in Le Mars. She helped the meager family income by doing work in various country and town homes. She came to Sioux County near Orange City as the bride of K. G. De Jong whom she married on Jan 30, 1893. After 11 years of marriage she became a widow, left with the heavy responsibility of raising 3 small children. To their education she dedicated her entire widowhood. At his birth she and her husband dedicated their only son to God, and he now is a Missionary to the Moslems in Arabia. She is a shining example of what a consecrated Christian mother can do for the Kingdom of God and the making of good citizens of her country.

She had reached the normal span of life at the time of her passing, she being 71 years and 9 months. 17 years ago she married Cornelius Van Zee of Kalamazoo, Mich. And continued residence in Orange City. Death came Thursday Jun 15 following a heart attack. Her faith in her Savior remained firm to the end.

Survivors are her husband and children Mrs. Lee H. Kiel of Chicago, IL., Mrs. Anna Muilenburg of Maurice and. Rev. Garret De Jong of Kuwait, Arabia. Also 2 step-daughters, Mrs. R. V. Barnett of Rushville, Ind. and Mrs. R. Vanden Heuvel of Clifton, N. J. Baby Alma died at the age of 15 months. Two brothers and one sister survive, Jake J. Aalfs of Akron, la., Hittert Aalfs of Sioux City and Mrs. Harry Winter of Lafayette, Ind. There are 14 living grandchildren, 2 preceded her in death and are buried in Arabia. Her eldest granddaughter is in nurses training in the Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago.

Funeral services were held at Trinity church with Rev. R. Ongna officiating Monday June 19.
Interment was made in the Maurice cemetery