VandenBerg, Johan J., 1881-1926

VANDENBERG, VANDERLINDE

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

From the Sioux County Index (Hull), July 30, 1926:

JOHAN VANDENBERG KILLED

The community was shocked Wednesday evening about six thirty o’clock, to hear that Johan Vanden Berg, who works on a grading crew for the county, had been instantly killed while on his way home from work.

Mr. VandenBerg and Ben Kragt had started for Hull in the County Ford and at a point six miles west of Sioux Center, one of the front wheels of the car broke off. The Ford made a couple of complete somersaults. Ben was thrown clear of the car the first time it went over and received only minor cuts and bruises. Johan, however, was driving and being back of the wheel, was not so fortunate. His neck was broken and his chest crushed. He was thrown clear of the wreck, also, as the car turned over the second time.

Dr. Jongewaard, of Sioux Center, was at the scene of the wreck in a few moments, but could do nothing for the unfortunate man. The ambulance was sent out and the remains were brought to the local undertaking establishment, where it will be held until funeral arrangements are made.

Besides his wife and one daughter, Mr. VandenBerg is survived by his father, a step mother and one sister. Much sympathy is felt here for the bereaved ones.

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From the Sioux County Index, August 6, 1926:

BURIAL SATURDAY

The funeral of Johan VandenBerg, who was killed last week when the car he was driving went into the ditch six miles west of Sioux Center, was held last Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock, at the First Reformed church. Many relatives and friends were present to show their respect for the departed and to sympathize with the wife and little daughter. The remains were laid to rest in Hope Cemetery, here.

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From the Alton Democrat, July 30, 1926:

ROAD WORKER KILLED IN AN AUTO SPILL
Johan Vanden Berg of Hull Was Instantly Killed Wednesday Evening

While Johan Vanden Berg and John Kracht of Hull were on their way home from working on a road job the car which Vanden Berg was driving was upset and he was caught beneath the car in such a way that his neck was broken and his chest badly crushed. Death was instantaneous. Kracht escaped with minor bruises. It is believed that the front wheels must have struck a rut, causing the car to turn turtle. The accident happened six miles west of Sioux Center at a little after six o’clock last night (Wednesday). Friends at Hull were notified and an ambulance was sent to the scene of the accident and the body brought to Hull.

The dead man was about fifty years of age and leaves a wife and one child of three or four years of age. They made their home at Hull. His parents, brothers and sisters, all live at Alto, Wis., and one brother in Montana, all of whom have been notified.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at the First Reformed church at Hull, the pastor, Rev. G. H. Douwstra, to be in charge of the services.

Vanden Berg was foreman of a grading crew, this being his second year in county work. The crew worked out of Hull and at present were engaged in a job of grading between Hudson and the state park.

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RESEARCH NOTES

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Vanden Berg, Johan J., b. 8 Nov 1881, d. 28 Jul 1926, Hope Cem Hull IA.

His death certificate has Johan J. Vander Berg, resident of Hull 10 years; wife Sophie Vander Berg; born Nov. 8, 1881 in Iowa; father H. J. Vander Berg, born in Holland; mother’s name and birth place unknown to the informant, his wife; occupation, Sioux County road worker; died July 28, 1926; broken neck, crushed chest, dead when examined.

The 1920 U.S. census for Hull has John J. Van den Berg, single, age 38, born in Wisconsin, parents born in the Netherlands, occupation garage mechanic, living as one of 5 boarders in a boardinghouse run by Garrit J. Fogt [Vogt?], his wife and family.

The Sioux County marriage register shows John J. Van den Berg, Hull, Iowa, a mechanic, age 39, born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, parents Henry J. and Alda Van den Berg; bride Sophie Van Der Linde, age 23, born in The Hague, Netherlands, parents Wm. H. and Sophie H. Van Der Linde; married in Hull, February 20, 1920, first marriage for both.