De Mots, Gerrit 1886-1957

DEMOTS, JONGEWAARD, SCHUURKAMP

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

Source: Sioux Center News (7-4-1957)

Born: May 4, 1886
Died: June 26, 1957

FINAL RITES FOR GERRIT DEMOTS, 71, PROMINENT RESIDENT, HELD SATURDAY--DIES JUNE 26 AFTER LONG ILLNESS

Funeral services were held at Central Reformed Church here at 2 P.M. Saturday for Gerrit De Mots, 71, a resident of Sioux Center for 68 years and prominent retired businessman, who died at the Sioux Center Community Hospital Wednesday evening following a prolonged illness.

Services were conducted by the Reverent Marion Klaaren and burial was made in the Sioux Center Community Cemetery. A brief service for the family was held at the home immediately preceding the service at the church.

Pallbearers were Jim De Ruyter, George De Ruyter, Pete Mouw, Dan Voorderman, Louie Boeyink, and Harold Boeyink.

Mr. De Mots was born May 4, 1886 at New Holland, South Dakota and moved with his parents, Gerrit and Evertje (Schuurkamp) De Mots to Sioux Center at the age of 3, in 1889. He grew to young manhood here and graduated from the local public high school in 1902.

He taught in rural school in this vicinity for 18 months and in 1904 became the first manager of the Mutual Telephone Company of Sioux Center. He served in that post until June 27, 1919, when he went into partnership with George De Ruyter in the operation of the De Ruyter Hardware. He sold his interest in the business to De Ruyter in 1933, upon entering a life of semi-retirement.

De Mots was secretary of the board of education of the Sioux Center Independent School District for 47 years prior to his recent resignation due to illness. He was a member of the county board of education for many years, served several years as member of the consistory of the Central Reformed Church and taught Sunday School there.

He was also a member of the Community Hospital Board and was native in other work. Mr. De Mots was married to Elizabeth Jongewaard of Sioux Center August 28, 1913.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Ringert Glen De Mots of Long Beach, California; two daughters, Mrs. Gary (Jane Eva) Boeyink of Sioux Center and Mrs. Howard (Arlene) Winterson of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; a brother, Dr. Henry De Mots of Sioux Center; three sisters, Mrs. Mark Rodenburgh of Sioux Center and Mrs. Hubert Muilenburg and Mrs. Howard Jelgerhuis of Orange City; and eight grandchildren.