Fennema, Henry J. 1885-1950

FENNEMA, WIERSMA, MUYSKENS

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 10/27/2016 at 23:43:19

Source: Find A Grave

Birth: February 3, 1885
Death: November 17, 1950

Henry John Fennema, for many years Nassau Township clerk and township assessor, died at the age of 65 Friday November 17 after an illness of several years. Mr. Fennema also served for a number of years as a member of the local school board and was president of the board when compelled to resign on account of ill health. He was active in church work here and served for many years as Elder and Sunday School Teacher in the Reformed Church.

Mr. Fennema was born February 3, 1885 at Orange City, son on the late pioneers, Mr. & Mrs. John Wiersma. His mother died when he was an infant of two months and he was taken into the home of his aunt and uncle, the late Mr. & Mrs. John Fennema, who had no children of their own and reared him as their own son. He grew up on the farm and lived in this vicinity all his life. June 1, 1911 he was married to Martha Muyskens, who preceded him in death May 1 of this year.

Two children were born to them, John of Alton and William of Ledyard, Iowa, who survive him, together with six grandchildren, four sisters, and six brothers.

The sisters are Mrs. T. Hollander and Mrs. W.J. Brouwer of Hull; Mrs. William Meyer of Verper, Wisconsin and Mrs. Herman Wobbema of Orange City; the brothers: Peter, George, Dewey, Samuel and Pierre Wiersma, all of Orange City, and Gerrit Wiersma of Sheldon.

The Fennema family farmed west of town but moved to Alton after their sons were grown. For some years, Mr. Fennema assisted in the Allen Furniture Store and later at Smit Produce.

Funeral services were held Monday in charge of Reverend H. Hesselink in the Reformed Church in Alton with internment in Nassau Township Cemetery. Many friends were present in tribute to the memory of one who was loved and esteemed by all and who served his community and church. faithfully.