Spoelstra, John "Jan" 1858-1916

SPOELSTRA, GASMEYER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

Source: Hospers Tribune (4-21-196)

Born: May 16, 1858
Died: April 20, 1916

On Thursday noon April 20, 1916 occured the sudden death of Mr. John Spoelstra at his home in Hospers. The direct cause of his death being heart failure.

While the Mrs. was preparing the noonday meal Mr. Spoelstra went into the garden to plant a row of potatoes, when finished with this job he went to the house to eat his dinner and as he stepped on the porch he fell over and when carried into the house by the neighbors it was found that he had already passed away.

John Spoelstra was born in the Province of Gronigen on the 16th day of May 1858. Being 57 years 11 months and 4 days old at the time of his death.

On May 14 1885 he was married to Miss Effie Grasmeyer who with, three children he leaves to mourn his death. The children are Rens of Rushmore Minnesota, Ed of Alfred North Dakota, and Mrs. Harry Mouw of Hospers. In 1893 Mr. Spoelstra and his family immigrated to America and made their home in Hospers where they lived nine years when he moved to a farm near town. Two years ago Mr. Spoelstra became seriously ill with an enlargement of the heart and he was forced to stop farming. In the year 1913 he moved back to Hospers where he lived until the time of his demise.

The funeral was conducted from from the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a staunch member and supporter, on Monday afternoon. Reverend D. De Groot the pastor of that church and Reverend G. H. Douwstra of the Dutch Reformed Church conducting the services. Interment was made in the Presbyterian Cemetery.

The bereaved relatives have the sincere sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of sorrow and loss.