Grooters, Berend Jans "Ben" 1848-1916

GROOTERS, VISSER, SMENGER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 2/17/2017 at 09:32:54

Source: Boyden Reporter (6-22-1916)

Born: August 12, 1848
Died: June 16, 1916

OLD RESIDENT PASSES AWAY--B.J. GROOTERS DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS--AGE 67 YEARS

Mr. Berend Jans Grooters, one of the pioneer residents of Sioux County, died last Friday evening, 5:30 o’clock, at his home here, after an illness of about two months, with cancer of the liver. The death of this beloved husband and father was not unexpected, owing to his critical condition for weeks past.

Mr. Grooters was born in the Netherlands, August 12, 1848. He was 67 years, 10 months and 4 days old. In the year of 1866, he immigrated to America where he made his home in Michigan. Five years later he was married to Miss Jennie Visser and shortly afterwards came to Iowa and located on a homestead south of Orange City, where they lived for seventeen years, when they decided to move on a farm near Boyden, and lived there ever since, with the exception of the past 8 years of residence in town.

In the year of 1900 his first wife died, there were born to them, fourteen children, 3 of whom died and eleven are still living, Eight sons and three daughters. Those of the children who are left to mourn the death of their father are Will, John, Ben, Albert, Wilhelmina and Anna of Boyden; Henry Grooters of Boardview, Montana, Reverend Peter Grooters of Otley, Iowa, Gerrit Grooters of Fort Dodge, James Grooters of Greenleaf, Minnesota, and Mrs. A. Slothouwer of Middleburg.

In the year of 1902 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Smenger of Holland, Michigan who survives and mourns the death of her second husband.

Deceased enjoyed a trip to the old country, three years ago, where he visited his birth place. He was a good and faithful member of the Dutch Reformed Church and served in the consistory for 23 years. He was a man of pleasant Christian character. His last words were “I am only a poor sinner, saved through grace.” He longed for death, and asked many times for Jesus to come and take him.

The funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Dutch Reformed Church. Reverend J. Vann Houte and Reverend Karl Mehgelson officiating. Interment was made in the Boyden Necropolis.

The reporter extends its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved relatives.