Stronks, John William 1857-1941

STRONKS, BOMGAARS, SIPMA

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Source: Alton Democrat (5-30-1941)

Born: January 10, 1857
Died: May 25, 1941

JOHN William STRONKS STARTED STORE HERE IN 1882

John William Stronks, pioneer Alton retired merchart, passed on at his home here on Sunday, May 25th, at the age of 84 years, 4 months and 15 days. He had been in failing health for some months and in February had to forego his daily walk to the post office. He was one of the staunch builders of the town, a man known for his integrity and sterling character. His kindness to the poor and unfortunate was unfailing during the periods of stress and hard times in those early days when many were without money for food.

John William Stronks was born in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, on January 10th, 1857. He came to Alton in 1882 and started a general store on 2nd Avenue where the Maplewood Hotel was later built. He also operated a cheese factory which flourished for a number of years, but later discontinued. He later operated a general merchandise store on Main Street where the Goebel Grocery now stands. Finally he bought the told school building, moved it to the corner of Main Street and 3rd Avenue, veneered it with brick and established his store there, continuining in business for more than thirty years. After retiring from business and investing in land, Mr. Stronks leased his building to William Koreman & Co. Four years ago it burned to the ground and since he had never believed in insurance, the building was a total loss. Most men would have been discouraged by such a loss, but shortly thereafter he rebuilt the store and re-leased it -- this time to Homan and Lamb, now the Homan Department Store.

In the year 1885 he was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Bomgaars who passed out of this life in February 1888. One child was born to this union. On November 12, 1895, he was again joined in marriage, to Miss Jennie Sipma on Newkirk. One child was born to this union. The children are William J. Stronks of Kewanee, Illinois, and Myrtle - Mrs. John Korver of Springfield, Missouri. In addition to his wife and children, Mr. Stronks is survived by one brother, Herman Stronks of Sheldon, and two sisters, Mrs. Carolina Meengs of Cedar Grove and Mrs. Hanna Ramaker, also of Cedar Grove; and eight grandchildren.

Mrs. Meengs and her children, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Wykhuis and Mrs. Chas. Voskuyl, all of Cedar Gove, were here last week and enjoyed a visit with Mr. Stronks, departing Saturday, the day before his death.

Mr. and Mrs. William Stroks and Mrs. Kover arrived Tuesday. Among others here for the services were Mr. & Mrs. Ben Marks and Mr. and Mrs. Hammerstrom of Lennox, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jibben or Davis, South Dakota, Reverend and Mrs. Martin Hyink of Castelwood, South Dakota, besides many old-time friends from this vicinity.

Mr. Stronks was long an active and influential workers in the local Reformed Church, where services were held Wednesday P.M. after brief rites at the home in charge of the pastor, Reverend Tinkleberg. Interment was in Nassau Township Cemetery.