Dykstra, Hein William, 1919-1927

DYKSTRA, KOSTER, MARRA

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

From the Rock Valley Bee, July 8, 1927:

IRETON BOY KILLED BY PASSENGER TRAIN

Seven year old Hein Dykstra was instantly killed near his home at Ireton, Monday, July 4, when he was struck by the west bound noon train. The lad and an older sister, Gertrude, thirteen years old, were playing on the track on a trestle about one fourth mile east of town. When the train drew near, the girl went under the bridge, calling her little brother. The lad was safely off the track when the engineer whistled, and he became confused and ran directly into the engine. The body was horribly mangled, both legs were crushed and one arm was cut off.

The boy’s mother, Mrs. Tuen Marra and his step-father were absent from home attending a mission feast at Orange City at the time.

Hein Dykstra was born at Sioux Center seven years ago shortly after the death of his father, Mr. Sam Dykstra who suddenly went insane. He was a bright loveable little fellow and a student in the second grade in the Christian Reformed Parochial School. Funeral services were held Wednesday.

* * * * * * * * * *

From the Hawarden Independent, July 7, 1927, Ireton news:

Met Frightful Death Under Train

Hein Dykstra, 7-year-old son of Mrs. Teunis Mara, met with a sad and sudden death Monday afternoon about 1 o’clock. He with an older sister were out walking on the railroad track east of town. The boy was on the trestle about a quarter of a mile east of the railroad crossing while his sister was under the trestle. The boy was evidently occupied in other thoughts than that of danger when suddenly the passenger train from the east was swooping down on him. It frightened him so as to confuse him and before he could escape he was knocked down and drawn under the cow catcher and rolled along until the train came to a stop.

He was terribly mutilated, one leg being cut from the body, also an arm. A terrible gash was cut in the back of his head, probably causing instant death. The sister was frantic when she saw what had happened to her brother and for a time it was feared the shock would be too much for her. L. D. Satterlee, the undertaker, took charge of the body and arranged it for burial. The parents of the unfortunate lad were spending the Fourth at Orange City and it was a terrible homecoming for the frantic mother.

The funeral was held Wednesday from the Christian Reformed church. Besides his mother and step-father he leaves four sisters and two brothers. The death of this boy saddened the whole community. He was a large, manly fellow for his age and was well liked by all who knew him. The family moved here last spring and located on the small farm east of the city limits, where they are dairying. The sympathy of all is extended to the bereaved.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Dykstra, Hein Wm., b. 3 Oct 1919, d. 4 Jul 1927, Memory Gardens Sioux Center IA.

His death certificate also gives his name as Hein Wm. Dykstra, born in Ireton; parents Sam Dykstra, born in the Netherlands, and Hattie Koster, born in Iowa; struck by engine of passenger train of C. & N.W. [Chicago and Northwestern]. The informant [his mother] is given as Mrs. T. E. Maara, although the family surnames in the Sioux County Cemetery Index are all spelled Marra.