Westra, Henry, 1893-1927

WESTRA, BRUNSTING, GRONNENBERG

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

From the Rock Valley Bee, September 23, 1927:

HENRY WESTRA DEAD.

Henry Westra died at his home in Hull last week Wednesday morning following a lingering illness of suffering from cancer. Mr. Westra was well known in this section of Sioux County. A few years ago he was a candidate for the office of County recorder and visited here a number of times during the campaign. He was a brother of Simon Westra, a former resident of Rock Valley. Funeral services were held at Hull Friday afternoon.

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From the Alton Democrat, September 23, 1927:

HENRY WESTRA PASSES BEYOND

Henry Westra passed away September 14 at his home south of Hull after an illness caused by cancer. He was aged 34 years, 7 months and 6 days. He was taken sick in February 1926 and then underwent an operation at Rochester but received no relief, suffering intensely during the last six months. Funeral services were held at the First Reformed church in Hull September 16 at 1:30 P.M. at the home and at 2 P.M. at the church, Rev. G. H. Douwstra of Hull officiating. The church was filled to capacity with friends who desired to pay last respects to their friend, a good and respected man. Burial was at the Hope cemetery Hull.

Deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Westra, Sr., now departed, and was born south of Hull February 8, 1893. He was married to Hattie Brunsting January 8, 1914 and two children, Tony Louis and Dorothy Lucille, were born to them and survive their father, besides the sorrowing widow. Five brothers and two sisters, as follows, also survive: Peter Westra of Hull, Jacob of Boyden, Mrs. Van Batavia of Hull, Simon of Sheldon, John of Rock Rapids, Barney of Boyden and Mrs. John Kuyper of Albert Lea, Minn. Many relatives came from a far distance to attend the funeral.

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From the Sioux County Index (Hull), September 23, 1927:

IN MEMORIUM

I wish hereby to record my deep loss in the decease of my beloved husband and the children’s loving father, Mr. Henry Westra. He died at the age of 34 years, 7 months and 6 days, leaving me and my 2 children, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss. We had enjoyed 13 years of happy married life. He was patient in all his suffering and operations.

His desire toward the end of his life, to be released, testifies to his communion with his Lord and Savior. The testimony of the Apostle Paul expresses his sincere confidence, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” With trust and confidence in the Lord we enter upon the future, desirous so to live that we may meet him at our translation.

Mrs. Hattie (Brunsting) Westra, Hull, Ia., Sept. 20, ’27 and Children.

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An obituary in the Boyden Reporter (September 15) adds that he had been confined to his bed for the past eight weeks, but that he was conscious to the last minute.

His death certificate adds his birthplace, Sioux County, Iowa; occupation, farmer; parents, Peter Westra and Theodora Hendrika Gronnenberg, both born in Holland; died at 5 a.m., September 14, 1927, of cancer of the stomach; operated on for it in February 1926.

His wife sold their farm property, dairy herd, and farm machinery on October 14 and moved into Hull. Her auction advertisement (Sioux County Index, Sept. 30) lists the property.