Klein, William "Bill" 1904-1926

KLEIN

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

Source: Alton Democrat (8-13-1926)

Born: December 14, 1904
Died: August 4, 1926

HOSPERS BOY MET DEATH IN CAR ACCIDENT--WILLIAM KLEIN FATALLY HURT WHEN CAR HIT FRIEGHT AT HOLLAND, MICHIGAN

On Wednesday morning the citizens of Hospers and the entire community were grieved when it was reported that relatives here had received a telegram stating that William, oldest son of Mrs. Bernard J. Klein had been seriously injured, a second message stating that he had died of the injuries. His mother was hurried to the scene and was met at Holland, Michigan by Reverend Stegeman who was visiting there at that time, who also accompanied the bereaved mother back to Hospers.

The accident, according to newspaper from Holland, Michigan occurred when a sedan in which William and his friend William Lebelt of Dakota who is with the Reed Murdock Company of Chicago, were riding, struck a slowly moving Pere Marquetle Freight Train which was on its way between Holland and Hamilton. The occupants were on their way to Lebelt’s camp on Rabbit River, having started out after midnight to get an early start. At about 12:45 the sedan hit the freight between two freight cars with such force as to cut the train in too and disconnected the air-brakes. The injuries which William received were a crushed chest, shoulders, broken and his skull crushed and from these injuries he was rendered unconscious and death ensured within an hour. His companion was also hurt and was taken to the hospital but was reported recovering enough to be able to leave the hospital before the funeral train left for Hospers.

Deceased was born at Sioux Center in December 14 in the year 1904. While in his infancy his father bought the John Zeldenhuis store here in Hospers and the family has resided here ever since. On August 18, ten years ago the father died leaving a wife and the four boys, who have battled life’s fate together until death again entered the family circle, this time to take the eldest of the sons. Those left to mourn with the sorrowing mother are Edsco, Floyd and Bernard.

William Bernard Klein received his public school education here, graduating with the class of “22". He taught in Christian School in Holland, South Dakota for one year and the following year he taught in the Central School, four miles north of town. In the fall he entered Hope College at Holland, Michigan, where he finished his second year’s work. “Bill” as he was called by his intimate friends endeavored to earn his own way through college and was working in a café at Holland, with this purpose in mind. He did splendid work in school which won the admiration of his instructors. He was a member of the Cosmopolition Boys Society to which he was to have been secretary and treasurer for the coming year.

Funeral services were held from the First Reformed Church with which he was affiliated since Christmas time six years ago when a large class of young people made confession of their faith. He has been a member of the First Reformed Sunday School since childhood and was an active member of the Christian Endeavor . Many beautiful floral tributes of the esteem in which our young friend was held, were in evidence. His many college friends also showed their sympathy to the bereaved family with flowers. Reverend M.A. Stegeman, Reverend G. Doustra of Hull and Reverend Dykstra of Orange City had charge of the services while undertaker Reinders had charge of funeral arrangements.