Kempers, Gerret 1841-1929

KEMPERS, RENSKERS

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

Source: Alton Democrat (1-11-1929)

Born: May 25, 1841
Died: January, 1929

CAME TO SIOUX COUNTY IN THE YEAR 1871---BORN IN THE NETHERLANDS

Gerret Kempers, who came to Sioux County in 1871, among the very early pioneers, died Sunday afternoon at 4:30 o’clock at his farm home east of town. Mr. Kempers was 87 years , 7 months and 12 days old. He has resided continuously for the past 47 years on the home farm and though he had retired from the strenuous farm labor, he continued active up to a short time before his death, could handle a team with the youngest of them and assisted his son in many of the farm activities. He was a quiet, unassuming man, not given to talking much of his pioneer experiences, a man of action rather than words, respected and esteemed by neighbors and many fiends during his long life time.

He was born in The Netherlands May 25, 1841 and in 1852 came to the United States, settling with his father in Wisconsin. He was married in 1867 to Miss Dena Renskers. The couple spent a few years in Minnesota., then moved to Sioux County, living for eight years on a farm half way between Orange City and Sioux Center and then moving to the present farm. In 1927 Mr. and Mrs. Kempers celebrated the 60th anniversary of their marriage. Mrs. Kempers died December 31st, 1927, a little more than a year before her husband.

He is survived by four sons, Barney of Hull, John of Sioux Center, Simon and James of Sioux Center; by eighteen grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at one o’clock at the home and at 1:30 at the Second Christian Reformed Church. Reverend Ypma and Reverend Lubbers in charge of service.