Kersbergen, William 1888-1942

KERSBERGEN, DREIER, DE JONG

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

Source: Rock Valley Bee (7-10-1942)

Born: December 17, 1888
Died: June 28, 1942

WILLIAM KERSBERGEN WAS BORN IN THE NETHERLANDS, ‘88

This community was shocked and sadden about noon Sunday, June 28, when word was received of the death of William Kersbergen at Iowa City that morning.

He was born at Baarn, Netherlands, December 17, 1888, and came to the United States with his parents, Guardus and Annigje (De Jong) Kersbergen in 1892. The family located at Rock Valley where he attended the public schools and grew to young manhood. In January, 1912, he was united in marriage to Susan Dreier of Doon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Alvord.

Following their marriage, they lived on a farm near Iona, Minnesota, for about three years. From there they moved to Doon and brought the Clayton Café which they remodeled and operated for about four years when they sold the café and from then Mr. Kersbergen and Will Dreier operated the Kersberger & Dreier garage until about 1 ½ years ago. Mr. Kersbergen was taken ill June 2 while working on the airport project at Sioux Falls, but continued to work until June 4, when he returned home. He was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital at Le Mars on June 5, where he remained until June 17 and remained at home until the morning of June 27. He died the following morning at 5:30 A.M. A streptococci infection of the blood stream and heart ailment were given as the cause of his death.

The deceased is survived by his widow, and three sons--Melvin of Sioux Falls who has served in the Navy for four years and has again reenlisted; Staff Sgt. Robert, recently at, Fort Hamilton, New York, but whose present whereabouts are unknown and Jack, who recently enlisted in the Navy, reporting for duty Friday morning. He is also survived by the following sisters and brothers--Mrs. H.J. Dreier of Doon, Mrs. Paul Moerman of Estherville, and Mrs. Ernie Garth of Fremont, Nebraska. The brothers are: John of Rock Valley; Harry, also of Rock Valley; Al of Louisville, Kentucky; Cornelius, Salt Lake City, Utah; Frank, Luverne, Minnesota; and Ira of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Mr. Kersbergen was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and of the Doon Commercial Club. He also served on the town council and in the fire department for a number of years.

Funeral services were held at the Catholic Church at Doon with Reverend Father Bucholtz of Alvord officiating. Burial was at the Catholic Cemetery at Rock Valley.

Pallbearers, all close friends of the deceased were Royce Weatherly, Theodore Rogers, Bernard Mann, Bernard Van’t Lent, Henry Ver Maas and John Koegan. The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends.