Haarsma, Isaac "Ike" 1880-1917

HAARSMA, GASTMA

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 3/5/2017 at 18:24:39

Source: Alton Democrat (11-10-1917)

Birth: October 2, 1880
Death: November 3, 1917

Born as Sikke Haarsma

There was a big attendance Tuesday afternoon at the funeral of Isaak Haarsma who died so suddenly. All the stores were closed during the services. We understand that the hardware business of the deceased will be continued and that some of the brothers in the trade will finish the business that was on hand.

We have to mention a very sad death, which occurred Saturday, and it became known that Isaac Haarsma died unexpectedly and very suddenly at the age of 37 years one month and one day.

That morning Mr. Haarsma went to his work as usual and apparently he was in good health, when he started the work of finishing the furnace in the new house of C. Graanstra.

The carpenters found him at about 11 o'clock in the morning lying in front of the furnace and it was soon learned that he died probably as a result of a heart trouble.

Deceased was born at Minnertsga the Netherlands and came when about 9 years old, with his parents, to his country.

About ten years ago he was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Gastma, his wife who survives him. Five children were born tot his union, three dying when very young, and two are living, one 5 and the other one year old.

The couple lived at Lebanon five years where deceased had a hardware store and afterwards in Orange City.

Besides his wife and children he is survived by his aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Haarsma, a brother, Reverend Henry Haarsma at Racine, Wisconsin, and three sisters, Mrs. John Steenhoven, and Mrs. C. Bergsma, west of town, and Mrs. R. Bergsma, of Sibley.

Especially for the wife and young children the loss of the husband and father is greatly felt.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. from the house and at two o'clock at the Christian Reformed Church, Reverend R.L. Haan having charge of the services.