Veldkamp, Robert, 1869-1933

VELDKAMP

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

From the Rock Valley Bee, October 6, 1933:

ROBERT VELDKAMP DIED SUDDENLY

Robert Veldkamp was found dead in his rooms Monday afternoon. He had died suddenly from heart failure, presumably Sunday night. It is thought he had been dead about twenty hours when he was found.

He was apparently in usual health Sunday. Sunday evening about six o’clock, G. Van Nimwegen left some wild ducks with him, and Mr. Veldkamp said he would clean them as soon as he finished a game of solitaire. Monday afternoon Mr. Van Nimwegen went to his room and found him lying near his chair, dead, the game not finished, and the ducks were where he had left them the evening before.

Mr. Veldkamp, who lived alone in his rooms above the dentist’s office, was a familiar figure on the streets of Rock Valley. He had lived here over forty years. For a number of years he worked at the carpenter trade, but he retired a few years ago, and since had spent his time hunting and fishing and visiting with his friends. And he numbered his friends by his acquaintances. Everybody liked “Bob.” His friendly and happy disposition won him friends wherever he was known.

Mr. Veldkamp was past sixty-four years old. He was born in Holland where he grew to manhood, coming to this country over forty years ago and since that time had made his home in Rock Valley. His brother, Lambert Veldkamp, who came to this country with him, the two brothers living together until Lambert died over twenty years ago.

Mr. Veldkamp had no near relatives, except a brother-in-law, Harm Bos, and two nephews, Claus Bos and Arend Johnson, living at Lake Preston, S.D., who came to Rock Valley Tuesday upon being advised of Mr. Veldkamp’s death. Three sisters, besides his brother, Lambert, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held at the Nimwegen funeral home in Rock Valley Wednesday forenoon, Rev. Clyde Newhouse, of the First Reformed church gave the funeral sermon. The remains were taken to the Valley View Cemetery.

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From the Alton Democrat, October 13, 1933, Rock Valley news:

Robert Veldkamp Found Dead

Robert Veldkamp was found dead in his rooms Monday afternoon by Gerrit Van Nimwegen. Death was due to high blood pressure and heart failure. Sunday night when Mr. Van Nimwegen called to bring him a couple of wild ducks he seemed to be in his usual health, stating he would clean them as soon as he finished a game of solitaire. On Monday afternoon Mr. Van Nimwegen called to see how he had enjoyed the ducks, but found them where he had left them, and poor Rob had passed out of this life.

Mr. Veldkamp lived along in his rooms above the dentist office and as he had lived here more than 40 years, working at his trade as carpenter, he had many friends. He had many friends as his happy disposition won him friends wherever he went.

Robert Veldkamp was born in the Netherlands, coming here as a young man and afterwards sent for his brother Lambert to come to America. He lived to be over 64 years of age and was a member of no church.

Funeral services were held at the Van Nimwegen funeral home, conducted by Rev. Clyde Newhouse of the 1st Ref. church Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock. Interment took place in the Veldkamp burial plot at Valley View cemetery.

Mr. Veldkamp had no near relatives but a brother-in-law. Harm Bos, two nephews, Claus Bos and Arend Johnson of Lake Preston, S.D., came Tuesday when they were advised on Mr. Veldkamp’s death.

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The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Veldkamp, Robert, b. 22 Aug 1869, d. 1 Oct 1933, Valley View Cem, Rock Valley IA.

His death certificate (informant “R. Buis”) gives his father’s name as Claus Veldkamp, mother’s name unknown. Cause of death, cerebral hemorrhage and “arteriolar sclerosis with hypertension, symptoms last 4 years.”