De Graaf, Dick 1868-1941

DEGRAAF, JANSMA, HUYGENS

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

Source: Alton Democrat (5-23-1941)

Birth: January 5, 1868
Death: May 20, 1941

Dick DE GRAAF ANSWERS LAST SUMMONS

Lived Near Alton Since Year 1872

Dick De Graaf, early resident of the Alton vicinity, passed on at his home here suddenly at noon Tuesday, May 20th. He had recovered in part from the critical illness suffered earlier in the spring and was seated in a chair on the front lawn of his home when his final summons came.

Though but 73 years and four months of age, father of six children, grandfather of 33 and great grandfather of 9, he had looked forward to the time when he might be a great-great-grandfather. He was only 18 at the time of his marriage back in 1886 and his bride was 16 years, but in those days early marriages were common and, as in his case, very happy marriages.

Mr. De Graaf was a good citizen, devoted husband and father, a kind neighbor, respected and loved by all who knew him.

Mrs. Jennie Kruze, a daughter, arrived Tuesday from Buffalo Center for the funeral services to be held this Thursday at the First Reformed Church in charge of the pastor, Reverend Tinkleberg. Frank of Denver and Ivan, youngest son in his country's service at Camp Claiborne, Louisana, arrived Wednesday for the services.

Dick De Graaf was born at Freeport, Illinois, on January 5, 1868. At the age of two years, he moved with his parents to Ackley, Iowa, where the family resided for two years. In the year 1872 the family moved to a farm near Alton, being one of the early pioneers families in this vicinity.

In the year 1886 he was joined in marriage to Miss Grace Jansma, who passed out of this life in the fall of the year 1916. Eight children were born to this union of which two, a son and a daughter, died in infancy. The six living children are: Frank of Denver, Colorado, Mrs. Jennie Kruze of Buffalo Center, Iowa, Mrs. Elizabeth Chrisman of Iron Mountain, Michigan, Andrew of Lake Park, Iowa, John of Sanborn, and Mrs. Martha Nienhuis of Oxford, California.

On June 16, 1920, he was again joined in marriage to Mrs. Gertrude Huygens of Hospers, Iowa. One son, Ivan, now serving his country, in Co. 1, Camp Claiborne, Louisana, was born of this union which was broken so suddenly last Monday.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his beloved wife, four sons, three daughters, four step children: Mrs. Henrietta Vander Swaag, John Huygens, James Huygens and Adrian Huygens, one brother, Andrew of Newkirk, one sister, Mrs. Gerrit Vander Wilt of Orange City, 33 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and a number of relatives and friends.