VanOrselen, John Cornelius, 1884-1923

VANORSELEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/18/2017 at 07:26:17

From the Boyden Reporter, April 19, 1923:

John Van Orselen Passes Away

John Van Orselen, manager of the Boyden Hardware Company, died at his home here on Tuesday morning at 5 o'clock, after an illness of some three weeks. Death was caused from uremic convulsions, following an attack of influenza. The funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, at 1:30 at the house, and 2 o'clock at the Reformed church, with J. M. Lumkes officiating. Interment was made in the Boyden cemetery.

John Cornelius Van Orselen was born in the Netherlands on August 14, in the year 1884. He was 38 years, 8 months and 3 days of age at the time of his death. He leaves to mourn his very sudden death, a wife and four sons, who are Cornelius, Johannes, Arie and Jan. He came to this country with his family about two years and 7 months ago, and resided first at Rock Valley, Iowa. He was later employed by the Boyden Hardware Co. of Boyden, as their manager, and has since been holding this position.

Mr. Van Orselen had made many friends in this locality, and his death has cast a shadow of deep sorrow over the entire community. Deceased has no relatives residing in this country. The Reporter extends its sincere sympathy to the bereaved wife and children.

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From the Rock Valley Bee, April 20, 1923:

Word was received here Tuesday of the death of J. Van Orselen, who died at his home in Boyden on Monday from complications following an attack of the influenza. Mr. Van Orselen was employed in Fred Smits' implement store at one time, and will be remembered by a number of our people. He leaves his wife and four small children.

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From the Alton Democrat, April 21, 1923, Boyden news:

John Van Orselen Dies at Boyden

Manager of the Boyden Hardware, John Van Orselen died Tuesday morning after a serious illness of several weeks following an attack of the flu. Mr. Van Orselen moved to our city from Rock Valley about a year ago, and in that short time has made many friends. He was successful in business, a most congenial friend and neighbor, a kind lovable husband and father. He is a native of Holland and came to the U.S. several years ago to make a home for his family who came to him about two years ago. He leaves a widow and four sons to mourn his loss. It is especially sad that the little family have not a single relative in America altho a host of sympathizing friends are doing everything possible in this time of need. Funeral services will be held at the Ref. church Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Lumkes of Boyden and Rev. Colenbrander of Rock Valley officiating.

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Mrs. Van Orselen and children returned to Holland in August 1925. She sold her household goods at public auction, and an advertisement in the Boyden Reporter, Aug. 13, 1925, lists them.