VandenHoek, Helen (Mrs. J. H.), 1864-1927

VANDENHOEK, NIEUWENHUIS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

From the Sioux County Index (Hull), December 3, 1926:

MRS. VAN DEN HOEK GONE

Thanksgiving evening, November 23, at 7:30, Mrs. Helen VandenHoek, nee Nieuwenhuis, departed this life after a severe illness of five days. She was born in the Netherlands, May 25, 1864, and was exactly 62 years and six months at her demise.

She was married to Mr. J. H. VandenHoek, then a school teacher, Dec. 22nd, 1888, and Dec. 23rd in the Christian Reformed Church at Harrison, South Dakota, according [to] the rites, which obtain in the Reformed Church at such an occasion. So there was a very happy married life of nearly 38 years, of which 21 years were spent in the parsonage.

Five children were born to Rev. and Mrs. VandenHoek, namely, Tony B., now at Peoria, Iowa, several years an elder of the Church at Sanborn, Iowa, and Brouten, Minn.; Rev. John, now pastor at Winnipeg, Canada; Delia, wife of Rev. S. G. Brondsema, of Muskegon, Mich.; Samuel, now a deacon of the church at Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Bertha, a last years student at Calvin College, also at Grand Rapids.

Rev. VandenHoek has lost, in the departed Sister, a devoted wife and the children a loving mother. She was a member of the Christian Reformed Church, of the Ladies Aid in other places of abode and of the local Christian Reformed Church. She used to be physically strong and full of joy, but for the last eight years has suffered quite some and for 5 years in succession, went to the Mayo’s Clinic, at Rochester, Minnesota, every six months or so for Radium treatment. A series of complications finally attacked her now frail consitution and devoured the dear one in a few days.

Every once in a while, these five last days, she would be conscious. And then she testified again and again, that she was sure of her mansions above. When asked by her husband, Rev. VandenHoek, on the last day of her life but one: “Say Helen, if you are soon going to leave us, where will you go?” And the answer came, clear and slow: “To heaven . . . heaven . . . heaven!” And the last day, nine hours before leaving all that’s dear, the man who stood at her side for 38 years asked: “Wife! you will now presently be in heaven, will you not?” and a “Yes,” with a smile, was the answer. The children from Winnipeg and Grand Rapids rushed in from the train to bid mother good bye, ten minutes before the end came. [followed by additional religious sentiments] A woman full of prayer and works of sanctification has left our community. Our loss is her gain.

The funeral was held Monday, at 12:30 from the home and at 1:00 from the First Reformed Church. Rev. Wm. Bajema of Sheldon gave the Holland sermon and Rev. C. Huissen, of Hull, the English sermon. Other Ministers who took part in the services were: Rev. N. J. Monsma, of Orange City; Rev. Geo. Hylkema, of Orange City; and Rev. M. Schaus, of Sioux Center. A large number of friends were present, many coming from Minnesota and South Dakota. The remains were laid to rest in Hope Cemetery.

Miss Bertha VandenHoek from Calvin College, will do the housekeeping for Rev. VandenHoek, until other arrangements may be made.

---One who knew her.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Sioux County Cemetery Index mistakenly gives her birth year as 1926.