Rexwinkel, Berendina J. "Dena" 1835-1899

REXWINKEL, KLEINHESSLINK

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Source: Alton Democrat (11-25-1899)

Born: April 9, 1835
Died: November 19, 1899

A Sad Affair--Mrs. Hendrik J. Rexwinkle Ends Her Life While Insane.

Mrs. Hendrik John Rexwinkel died at her home in this city Alton on Sunday night, November 19 after three hours of intense suffering caused by setting fire to her clothing while not in her right mind.

Some time ago Mrs. Rexwinkle's health failed and her mind became deranged through nervous trouble. She was taken to Clarinda, but as no hope of her recovery was given she was brought home and kept in a room with heavily screened windows and door, outside of which her husband lay upon a couch to minister to her wants. Sunday morning about three o'clock Mr. Rexwinkel awoke and was horror-stricken to find his wife standing before him enveloped in flames supposedly produced by matches which the victim had secured and secreted in her room. He called for help and with the aid of their children, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Reideman, who live with them, fought the fire heroically and sustained a number of severe burns, but to no avail.

Deceased, whose maiden name was Berendina J. "Dena" Kleinhesselink, was born in the Netherlands in 1835 and was one of eight children. She was married to Mr. Hendrik Jan Rexwinkel in March, 1856, and of their union were born six children, five of whom, with the husband and father, survive her. With her husband she came to this country and located at Albany, New York, moving later to Alto, Wisconsin, and coming to Sioux county in 1873. She had been a consistent member of the Reformed church for many years.

The children who survive her are Gerrit, Joseph and William and Mrs. Dora Vrieze and Mrs. Herman Reideman, all of whom were present at the last sad rites, except Gerrit, who is in Wisconsin. Funeral services, conducted by the Reverend Lepeltak, were held at the Reformed Church at one o'clock on Tuesday afternoon after which interment took place in the Alton Cemtery.