Eerkes, Jacob 1859-1924

EERKES, STIENTJES

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 2/27/2017 at 20:38:39

Source: Boyden Reporter (12-11-1924)

Born: February 3, 1859
Died: November 30, 1924

Jacob Eerkes was born at Wildervank, Netherlands, February 3, 1859. When still a young man he came to America and settled in Hull, Iowa, in the spring of 1884.

On the 24th of October, 1884 he was united in marriage to Alida Stientjes, out of which union eleven children were born. Nine of the children are still living, while two preceded him in death.

Those left to mourn his departure are his wife and nine children: Effie (Mrs. Herman Tammes); Joe Eerkes, Herman Eerkes; Dena (Mrs. Dick Van Diepen), Ralph Eerkes; Henry Eerkes; Alida(Mrs. Joe Koole), all of whom are living at Sheldon; Jacoba (Mrs. Carl Hirt), of Boyden, Iowa, and Jacob Eerkes who is still living at home. Two brothers and two sisters who are living in the Netherlands also survive the deceased, besides 18 grandchildren.

After his marriage Mr. Eerkes lived in and around Boyden till 1897 when he moved to his farm, four miles north of Sheldon, where he and his family lived until 1915 when he retired from active life, spending his remaining years in Sheldon. He passed away from this life on November 30th, 1924, at the age of 65 years, 9 months and 27 days.

Mrs. Eerkes was a member of the First Reformed Church of Sheldon, Iowa. For a number of years he served this church as deacon. During these years the present church edifice was constructed, and he spent much of his time and effort to bring this to a successful completion.

During his long sickness he gave repeated testimony of his faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ in which faith he died. May this be a comfort to those who mourn his departure, and also an encouragement so to live that we may look forward to a reunion in the Father’s House with the many mansions.