VanDiepen, Sietsa, 1897-1921

VANDIEPEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/10/2016 at 19:08:32

From the Boyden Reporter, February 10, 1921:

Young Business Man Passes Away

One of Boyden's youngest business men, Sietsa Van Diepen, passed away at his home here on Tuesday morning at 8:45 o'clock, after a severe illness with acute Nephritis. Deceased was a member of the firm of van Diepen Bros. who are engaged here in the automobile business. He had nearly reached the age of 25 years. Funeral services will be held on Friday afternoon at 1:30 at the house and 2:00 o'clock at the Reformed church. As deceased was a former member of the A.E.F. the funeral will probably be Military. The entire community mourns the death of this young man. An obituary will appear in our next issue. All business places will close during funeral.

* * * * * * * * * *

From the Boyden Reporter, February 10, 1921:

Siesta[sic] Van Diepen

Siesta Van Diepen, the youngest son of Mr. Jake Van Diepen, of Boyden, passed away Tuesday morning, February 8th, from acute nephritis, being confined to his bed with the disease some four or five days. The sad news came as a shock to the entire community, as this young man had many friends, who keenly feel his loss. Funeral services for the deceased were held last Friday afternoon at 1:30 from the house and at 2:00 in the Reformed church of Boyden, with Rev. Douwstra, assisted by Dr. W. T. McConnell officiating. Interment was made in the Boyden cemetery. Owing to the fact that the deceased was an ex-service man, the Monster Post of the American Legion took an impressive part in the funeral arrangements.

Siesta Van Diepen was born on a farm two miles south of Boyden, in Sioux county on the 3rd day of April, in the year of 1896. He was at the time of his death 24 years, 10 months and 8 days of age. Most of his early childhood days were spent in Boyden, where he attended the public school, from which he graduated. After graduating from high school, he attended the Michigan State Auto School at Detroit, Mich., and also spent some months in the large auto factories.

Upon his return to Boyden, he answered the call to arms for the country he loved and on the 29th of April, 1918, he left for Camp Dodge, Ia., where he became a member of the 88th Division, Co. E, 313 Supply Train. He was soon made a Corporal and owing to his exceptional ability as a mechanic he was made a truck driver. After driving an army truck across the country from Chicago to Baltimore two different times, his company was sent over to France for service with the A.E.F. He served in Uncle Sam's army in France for several months, and in the summer following the signing of the armistice, he returned to his home in Boyden.

That same year, in the fall, he and his brother Sieba formed a partnership and purchased the garage business here from Carl Tott, which they successfully conducted to the time of his death. Siesta Van Diepen was a member of the M.W.A. and also a member of the Monster Post of the A.L. He was a young man of pleasant disposition, and was well liked by all who knew him. His loss is most sincerely and earnestly felt by the people of Boyden.

Besides his father he leaves to mourn his death, a brother Sieba, and a sister Susie, and many other relatives. Deceased lost his mother by death when he was but a small child. His future was full of promise. It is sad, indeed, to see one so well equipped for life taken so unexpectedly.

The relatives from out of town who attended the funeral were: K. Van Diepen, Mr. and Mrs. John Van Diepen, and Mr. and Mrs. Dick Van Diepen, all of Sheldon; and Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Beldt, of Melvin, Iowa. The Reporter extends its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved father, brother and sister, in their hour of sorrow.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Van Diepen, Sietsa, b. 3 Apr 1897, d. 8 Feb 1921 Veteran Sheridan Twp Cem Boyden IA.