VanRavenswaay, Ryk (Richard), 1863-1929

VANRAVENSWAAY, RAVENSWAY, BOSCH, HEEMSBERGEN

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

From the Hawarden Independent, March 7, 1929, Eagle-Center Township news:

Death Calls R. Ravenswaay Sr.

R. Ravenswaay Sr. of Center township, who resided seven miles northeast of Ireton, passed away last Wednesday, Feb. 27th, following a lingering illness from cancer of the stomach. The deceased was a native of Holland and was 65 years old. He had farmed in this vicinity for a number of years and was respected by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, four daughters and six sons, all of this vicinity.

Funeral services were held Saturday at the Reformed church at Sioux Center, with Rev. Vander Hoef in charge. The remains were laid to rest at Sioux Center.

* * * * * * * * * *

RESEARCH NOTES

A similar obituary was published in the Alton Democrat, March 8, 1929, Center Township news. News notes about his illness in the previous week’s Alton Democrat and Hawarden Independent refer to him as Richard Ravensway.

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Van Ravenswaay, Ryk, b. 30 Jun 1863, d. 27 Feb 1929, Memory Gardens, Sioux Center IA.

His death certificate has him as Rijk van Ravenswaay; husband of Gerterude Bosch; born June 29, 1863 in the Netherlands; parents Johannes Van Ravenswaay and Sofstria[?] Heemsbergen; occupation, farmer; resident of the U.S. 14 years; died at 6:30 a.m. February 27, 1929; cause, carcinorus stomach; confirmed via clinical diagnosis and X-ray.

The 1925 Iowa state census also has him as Rijk Van Ravenswaay (age 61) and parents Johannes Van Ravenswaay and Sophia Heemsbergen. Living with him are wife Gertrude (54), whose parents were Hendrik Bosch and Adriana Ravenswaay; and children Arie (26), Richard (22), Antony (21), Hendrik (17), Gerrit (15), Elisebet (19), and Hermina K. (16). Living next door are his son Johannes (29) with wife Dina and son Richard.