Jansen, Willem 1915-1984

JANSEN, RIETMAN

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

Source: Sioux Center Capital (6-7-1984)

Born: May 30, 1915
Died: 1984

Willem Jansen, Orange City’s longtime wooden shoe maker, died Monday night.

Jansen had sold his business to Art and Shirley Vogel but had kept busy making shoes and teaching Rick Roos the trade. A heart attack this spring slowed him down but he continued to visit the shop and during this year’s festival he spent time in the town hall with customers, and gave occasional demonstrations.

“I like making shoes,” he said, “I’ve been making wooden shoes since I was 14.

“Our relationship was so nice,” Art Vogel “It worked so well in the transition. People have asked me if Rick can fill Willem’s Shoes. I say “Of course not, Willem was a unique person.”

Jansen moved to the United States from the Netherlands in 1956 to begin his trade here. He adopted his techniques to American materials and gained a reputation nationwide.

“He was a real drawing card,” Dan Vander Wel, executive director of the Orange City Chamber of Commerce said, “Wooden shoe making is a world known tradition that we carried on here.”

Jansen’s wooden shoes were sold here year round but many pairs also went to Dutch Centers in Pella and Holland, Michigan. He made as many as 5,000 pairs of shoes a year.

“He never wanted publicity,” Vander Wel said, “he was always quiet.” He’s a good friend and we had his craft and his humor.” Mr. Wilhelm Jansen, 69, died Monday evening at the Orange City Municipal Hospital, following a sudden illness.

Services will be at 10:30 A.M. Friday at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City. The Reverend Willis Vander Kooi will officiate. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements were made through Van Gelder Funeral Home.

Mr. Jansen was born on May 30, 1915 in Zelhem, Gelderland, the Netherland. He married Willemina Johanna Rietman on May 4, 1941, at Angerlo, Gelderland, the Netherlands. He served with the cavalry in the Dutch army during World War II. In 1945 he joined the Dutch Border Patrol. The couple came to the Orange City in 1956, where he resumed his trade as a wooden shoemaker. For 54 years Mr. Jansen earned a living as a wooden shoemaker.

He was a member of Trinity Reformed Church.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Jerry (Ann) Rathman of Sergeant Bluff; one son, John of Orange City; five grandchildren, all living in the Netherlands.