Terpstra, David 1917-1941

TERPSTRA, DEJONG

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

Source: Sioux County Capital (5-29-1941)

Born: May 15, 1917
Died: May 21, 1941

Terpstra Brothers Die In Crash
Another in Hospital After Attempting to Pass Car on Narrow Road

Rock Valley: Funeral services were held Monday afternoon for Dave and John Terpstra who lived between Rock Valley and Hudson.

The two young men died as the result of an auto accident Wednesday night of last week when they attempted to pass a car driven by Dick Bos on a narrow stretch of road 4½ miles north of Rock Valley.

The accident happened about 7 p.m. when John Terpstra swung a little too wide when passing the car of Dick Bos. It is reported the car went off the road at a high rate of speed and travelled for that the dust was bad, that the about 300 feet on the soft shoulder of the new grade before crashing head on into a 5 foot concrete culvert in a driveway embankment.

John Terpstra was killed instantly. His brother David was thrown from the rear seat and his head crashed through the windshield.

John, 23 years old, suffered a crushed chest and neck fracture. David, 24 years, suffered a broken neck and died on the way to the Hull Hospital.

John and Ted Baartman who were also in the car, had just returned Wednesday morning from Michigan and David Terpstra operated a feed grinder at Alvord. John had gone to Alvord to get Dave and take him home for a family visit.

Ted Baartman, who suffered chest and shoulder injuries and a cut face, was taken to the Le Mars Hospital yet Wednesday night and was able to return home Sunday. Ed Boer who was also riding in the car, suffered minor injuries which were treated and he was dismissed immediately.

Note: David Ter Horst's parents are Jake and Flora (De Jong) Ter Horst.