Veltkamp, Klaas, 1902-1921

VELTKAMP, VELDKAMP

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/6/2016 at 00:26:08

From the Rock Valley Bee, September 2, 1921:

YOUNG MAN FATALLY INJURED

Klaus Veltkamp, 19 years old, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Veltkamp living west of Rock Valley, met with a bad accident last Friday while helping put hay in the barn. He stepped on a door leading into the hay mow of the barn and accidentally fell striking upon the handle of a pitchfork which entered his body inflicting a bad wound. He was taken to the hospital at Hull where his injuries were attended to, and it was thought for a while that he might recover as he seemed at first to get along as well as could be expected, but a change for the worse took place and he died Wednesday night.

The deceased was a splendid young man in every way and was highly thought of by all who knew him. His death is a great shock to his parents, and his place in the family circle will be hard to fill.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at the home at 1:00 o'clock and at the Christian Reformed Church at 2:00 o'clock.

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From the Alton Democrat, September 3, 1921 [Rock Valley news]:

Klaas Veldkamp, a young man about nineteen years old, living with his parents northwest of town, while engaged in working about some hay on the premises Friday of last week had the misfortune to fall on a pitchfork handle which penetrated his body nearly a foot. He was rushed to town and taken to Doctor Lock's office, where an examination was made and he was taken to the Hull hospital, and underwent an operation with the hope of saving his life. While there is hope for recovery, his condition is considered critical.

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From the Alton Democrat, September 10, 1921: Rock Valley news:

Klaus Veltkamp, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Veltkamp, who was fatally injured by falling onto a pitchfork handle, died at the hospital at Hull Aug. 21st and was almost nineteen years of age. He was born near Cawker City, Kans., and came here about four years ago. He was an excellent young man, industrious, exemplary and helpful to his parents who keenly feel the loss they have sustained in his tragic death. Funeral services conducted by Rev. William Bajema, at the Christian Reformed church, Friday afternoon Sept. 2nd in the presence of a huge gathering of people, assisted by Rev. H. Colenbrander, pastor of the Reformed church. After which his remains were interred in Valley View cemetery.

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The Sioux County Cemetery Index lists him twice: Veldkamp, Klaas (WPA Index), and Veltkamp, Klaas (both b. 1902, d. 1921, buried Valley View Cemetery). His father Henry's surname is spelled Veltkamp in the Index, as well as in the Card of Thanks published in the Rock Valley Bee.