Klein, Bernard J. "Ben" 1876-1916

KLEIN, DYKSTERHUIS, SCHUT

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

Source: Alton Democrat (8-28-1916)

Born: November 15, 1876
Died: August 18, 1916

Bernard J. Klein, for the past eleven years a resident of Hospers and head of the firm of B.J. Klein and Company, general merchants, died unexpectedly in St. Joseph’s Hospital at Sioux City last Friday, August 18th, at 2:30 P.M. He was a young man, only 39 years and nine months of age and leaves his wife and four boys, with a host of friends to mourn his departure.

Seldom does the death of anyone affect the feelings of an entire community as did the death of Mr. Klein. After an operation for tonsillitis in the hospital he had been doing nicely and his rheumatism left him. The outlook for the future was encouraging. Then intestinal trouble arose, gangrenous complications were found and the end came very soon. Mr. Klein was operated upon again Thursday and Friday afternoon passed away, conscious almost to the end. His friend, Fred Reinders went to Sioux City immediately when the news was received and looked after the final arrangements in accord with one of the last requests of Mr. Klein.

Bernard John Klein was born on November 15, 1876, at Doornspwyk, Holland. He came to America with his parents at the age of five years and ten years later, 1891, to Sioux County. In 1903 he was united in marriage to Miss Grace Dyksterhuis here at Hospers and to them four sons were born, Will, aged 11, Edsko, 8, Lloyd, 4, and Bernard John aged 8 months.

He is also survived by the following brothers and one sister: Albert of Hospers, Gerrit of Sioux Center, and Mrs. Lou Van’t Hof of Hospers. He also had three step-brothers and two step-sisters, John and Will Schut of Maple Lake, Minnesota, Reverend Henry Schut of Carmel, Mrs. Joe Tubergen of Edgerton, Minnesota and Mrs. John Ernisse. He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. H.J. Schut of Sioux Center. Mr. Klein for many years has been widely acquainted in this section of the county. About eight months ago on account of ill health, he took a partner, William Vande Kamp, into his store and Mr. Vande Kamp has taken a great part of the load from his shoulder since coming into the firm.

A great crowd of friends and relatives from Minnesota, Dakota, Nebraska, California, besides Sioux County and Iowa friends and relatives, came to attend the funeral here Monday afternoon from the First Reformed Church here. The services were conducted by Reverend Douwstra and Vander Heide of Hospers and Reverend Vander Naald of Sheldon.

Mr. Klein was always cheerful even under the most adverse circumstance, such as ill health and work. He was very progressive and one of the livest members of the Hospers Commercial Club. His store does a large business and has always been admirably conducted. Business Associates, Competitors, customers--all miss him and his cheery smile and genial disposition.