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Roelfson, Mattie (Mrs. John) 1851-1947

ROELFSON, TEYSEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

Source: Alton Democrat (1-30-1947)

Born: August 6, 1851
Died: January 27, 1947

Mrs. Mattie Roelfson, Alton oldest resident, passed on at her home here Monday morning January 27 1t 6:15 A.M. at the age of 95. She had been in ill health since October but was confined to her bed only three weeks before her death. One of the town’s most remarkable citizens, Mrs. Roelfson was very active for her years, and it was the hope of her hundreds of friends she would pass the century mark.

Mattie Roelfson was born at Ede Gelderland August 6, 1851. She grew to womanhood there and was married to John Roelfson. The couple came to the United States in 1885 with their oldest daughter, Mrs. John Puse of Maurice, and a daughter of Mr. Roelfson by a previous marriage, Mrs. Nancy Lam of Webster South Dakota. Both these daughters are now deceased.

They settled at Alton where the family has since resided. Four children born to the couple after their arrival here died in infancy and the five surviving children are Mrs. Effie Hulst and Mrs. John Kamstra, both of Hospers, Everet J. of Alton, Hattie and Henry at home. Mrs. Roelfson is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Gerritje Ratstaat of Lunteren, Gelderland; 26 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren survive.

Mr. Roelfson died in November 1903 and upon his widow fell the task of caring for and supporting the family of young children. One of her tasks, her children recall, was that of mending sacks for the Alton Milling Company for which she received a penny a sack and on which she stitched many a night after the children were in bed. She was a careful and painstaking worker and to the time of her death never wore glasses. Her hobby in later years was making quilts and rugs, which were beautiful sewn. She enjoyed working in her garden and every fall until that of 1946 always picked a row of corn left for her by her son Everet since she enjoyed this outdoor work and took pride in it.

She was a charter member of the local Reformed Church but five years ago transferred her membership to First Reformed Church, Orange City since at that time the Holland language service was discontinued in the local church. Although she lived in this country over sixty years Mrs. Roelfson continued to cling to her native tongue and enjoyed the Holland sermons.

Mrs. Roelfson’s courageous spirit, self-reliant honesty and deep religious faith never failed and these were the rich legacy she left her children. She enjoyed a good joke and was loved by neighbors and fiends for her kindness and cheerful disposition.

Funeral services were held at one o’clock at the home and at 1:30 in the First Reformed Church, Orange City, with Reverend Colenbrander in charge. Pallbearers were six grandsons, Henry Hulst of Ashton, John Hulst of Granville, Ed Hulst of Hospers, William Peuse of Maurice, Ed Peuse of Orange City, John Peuse Jr. of Sioux City.


 

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