Kooreman, Edward J. "Ed" 1879-1954

KOOREMAN, ROBERTS, KLEINHESSELINK

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

Source: Alton Democrat (3-18-1954)

Born: November 6, 1879
Died: March 13, 1954

Ed J. Kooreman Rites At Alton Wednesday--Former Postmaster Dies Unexpectedly Here Saturday

Edward J. Kooreman, postmaster at Alton for thirty years, succumbed to a heart attack at his home shortly before three o'clock Saturday afternoon, March 13th.

A native of Alton, where he was born 74 years ago, he grew up with the community, was local jeweler before becoming postmaster, and was active in the various community service clubs and organizations. Due to declining health he resigned his work as postmaster August 21, 1944, but was about his home and down town as usual up to the day of his death.

He was born November 6, 1879, to Mr. and Mrs. John and Janna (Kleinhesselink) Kooreman, who homesteaded west of Alton but after the "grasshopper years" moved to Alton. He was the second youngest of a family of ten children, of whom all preceded him in death. He attended the local public school and became apprentice to Mr. Kamber of the local jewelry. Later he was employed in Orange City and at Waupun, Wisconsin and then bought the local jewelry store, which he operated until appointed Alton postmaster by President Wilson February 6, 1915. He was a partner of his brother Will in the Kooreman merchandise business established after the brothers bought out the late William Stronks; and although a "silent" partner, he kept books for the store and handled investments.

July 24th, 1907, he married Miss Esther Roberts, who had come to Alton a few years earlier to conduct a millinery store. They became parents of one daughter, Marion, Mrs. I.H. Schroeder of Eagle Grove, and grandparents of Carolyn, Edward and Joseph Schroeder, who with Mrs. Kooreman, are the sole survivors. The deceased brothers and sisters were Doris, who died at the age of 17, Mrs. Gt. Popma, Mrs. Jack Argyle, Gerrit, Jennie, John, Thomas, Will and Fred.

Ed, as he was known to his legion of friends, was a member of the local Fire Company from 1908 to 1925 and an officer for several years. For many years he was chairman of the Democratic Central Committee for Sioux County. He was director of the local Building and Loan Assn. and of the Alton Savings Bank which he was serving as Vice President at the time of his death.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a member and past officer of Floyd Masonic Lodge, and also of the Shrine. He served for some years on the public school board. One of the original founders of the local golf club he was among the small group which bought the land for the course, and until the last few years he enjoyed the game with his friends. He was an excellent organizer and wherever he lent his hand and influence, success resulted.

His advice was sought by many, his judgment was respected and his friendship valued. His passing was a great shock to the community which has been his home for these many years.

Funeral services were held at the local Presbyterian Church at 1:30 Wednesday. Reverend Henry Eggink of Storm Lake officiated and arrangements were in charge of J. W. Allen. Mrs. Floyd Terapleton of Laramie, Wyoming sang a solo and a quartet sang a number. Pallbearers were E. S. Kiernan, C. J. De Munck, Henry Klein, Andrew De Graaf, Frank Allen and O.N. Homan.

Here for the services are several nieces and nephews, including Mrs. Ted Pelto of Menomonia. Wisconsin, John Kooreman of Cedar Rapids, Miss Jean Kooreman of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Mrs. Paul Snowden of Monroe, Wisconsin, and Gerrit Kooreman of Monticello, Wisconsin. Also expected are a niece from Pontiac, Michigan, Mr. and Mrs. Arch Jones of Lake Crystal, Minnesota, and others.

Among others are Arch Roberts of Mankato; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Roberts, Madison, South Dakota; Mrs. Virginia Larson and Miss Esther Much of Lake Crystal.

On account, of the wind and ice storm Friday and Saturday telephone and telegraph lines were disrupted and it was impossible to get word to some of the relatives. Mrs. Schroeder was reached through the kindness of the local state patrolman, Don Streeter, who relayed the message of her father's death to Mrs. Schroeder through the two-way radio system of the various patrol cars between Alton and Eagle Grove. She arrived with her husband, Ivo Schroeder, Saturday evening.