Dethmers, Hessel, 1879-1924

DETHMERS, GIJSBERTS, EDENS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

From the Boyden Reporter, January 1, 1925:

H. S. Dethmers Dies Suddenly

H. S. Dethmers, who underwent an operation for appendicitis at the Cram hospital in Sheldon on Dec. 22nd, died on Friday evening, Dec. 26th. His sudden death came as a great shock to this entire community where the family is well known. He is survived by his wife and eight children; his mother and several brothers and sisters.

The funeral service was held at Sheldon on Tuesday at the Reformed church with Rev. Vis officiating. Deceased was formerly a resident of this community and was engaged in farming. He was an excellent farmer and citizen, and a man of christian character. His loss will be keenly felt, not only by his bereaved ones but by all who knew him.

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Also from the Boyden Reporter, January 1, 1925:

HESSEL DETHMERS

Hessel Dethmers was born June 16th, 1879, in the Netherlands and at the early age of six came with his parents to America. Nearly all his life he lived in the vicinity of Hull and Boyden, with the exception of five years when he lived near Edgerton, Minn., and the last two years of his life at Sheldon. He died Dec. 26th, at the age of 45 years.

In February 1908 he was married to Harriet Gijsberts out of which union eight children were born, all of whom are living, some of them too young to realize their loss. Other surviving relatives are his mother, Mrs. J. S. Dethmers, of Rock Valley, Iowa, and four brothers: John of Edgerton, Minn.; R. P. Dethmers, of Sheldon; Albert, of Boyden; and Ike Dethmers of Hull. Also three sisters: Annette, of Hull, Ia.; Mrs. R. V. D. Burk, of Chicago, Ill., and Mrs. S. V. D. Well, of Rock Valley.

The sudden death of Brother Dethmers comes as a terrible shock to the family as well as to the entire community. Respected as a man of Christian principles he will be missed by many. His recent election as deacon of the First Reformed church, and also as superintendent of the Sunday School indicates the esteem in which he was held by the members of the church. He was an enthusiastic worker in the church and enjoyed teaching in the Sunday School, in which he was eminently successful. He loved to be in the Lord's House and never missed being there if he possibly could attend. His cheerful disposition was appreciated by all, but especially his sound religious convictions are still an inspiration to us. [Followed by expressions of religious sentiment.]

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From the Alton Democrat, January 3, 1925:

FORMER BOYDEN CITIZEN PASSES AWAY

The community was shocked Friday evening of last week when the word came that Hessel Dethmers had passed away at Sheldon following an operation for appendicitis. Mr. Dethmers had been in his usual health until the last of the week when he seemed to be developing a bad cold. He attended a sale on Saturday but Sunday and Monday his condition seemed to grow worse and Monday evening it was decided to operate. The appendix had ruptured and the case was doubtful from the beginning. A second operation was performed Xmas day but he grew worse until death occurred at about 9 P.M. Friday.

Mr. Dethmers formerly lived at Boyden where he was prominent in church and social activities and present of the board of education for some time, also superintendent of the Ref. Sunday school and was a man of sterling qualities, and his death is a great loss to the community in which he lived. Interment will be made at Sheldon where they have made their home for about two years. The family have the sympathy of their many friends at Boyden.

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His death certificate has Hessel Sybolt Dethmers; born June 16, 1879 in the Netherlands; parents Jno. S. Dethmers and Anna Edens; occupation farmer; died Dec. 26, 1924, 8:30 p.m. at Cram Hospital, Sheldon; cause suppurrtive[?] peritonitis following ruptured appendix; buried East Lawn Cemetery, Sheldon.