Braet, Hector V., 1870-1933

BRAET, WYFFELS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

From the Rock Valley Bee, November 17, 1933:

FORMER ROCK VALLEY RESIDENT DEAD

Hector Braet, a former resident of Rock Valley, passed away at his home near Estelline, S.D., Thursday, November 2. The following account of his death is given by the Estelline Journal:

"The sudden death of Hector V. Braet shortly before noon last Thursday was a shock to the community as very few realized that he was seriously ill, in fact his family were not prepared for the shock, as he ate dinner with them the day before his death.

"He was one of those honorable dependable men on whom you could rely when he made a statement. Growing up as an orphan and coming to America when he was a young man, he battled the world alone until he was married and this battle taught him to be fair with his fellows and this idea he carried through life. He had not been well for a long time and about four years ago he submitted to a goiter operation and since that time his health has declined, as he suffered from anemia and only recently his condition became critical.

"Mr. Braet was born at St. Joris, Belgium, on August 17, 1870, and was left an orphan at an early age. At the age of twenty years he came to America, living first at Moline, Illinois, and later at Rock Valley, Iowa. On November 20, 1905, he was married to Miss Nellie Wyffels, at Rock Valley, and in 1914 he and his family came to Estelline, living in the city and on the farm since that time. Twelve years ago he bought a farm two miles south of Estelline which he has improved and kept up in such a manner that it is an ideal home.

“Mr. and Mrs. Braet were the parents of one son, Leo H. Braet, and two daughters, Coletta and Lorraine, all of whom are living at home. Besides his wife and daughters, he leaves two brothers and three sisters living in Belgium who mourn his passing.

“The funeral was held Saturday morning at ten o’clock from St. Francis de Sales church, Rev. Fr. Brian E. O’Malley conducting the services, and he was laid to rest in Hillcrest. A host of friends deeply sympathize with the family in the death of husband and father.”

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The 1910 U.S. census shows him and his family in Rock Valley: Hector, age 40, married 4 years, born in Belgium, immigrated in 1881, naturalized, occupation liquor agent, speaks English, owns his home; wife Nellie, age 30, born in Holland, immigrated in 1889; children Leo (3), Collato (2), and baby daughter (1 month), all born in Iowa.; servant Mary Kersbergen (18). In the 1920 census, in Estelline, he is a retired saloon keeper, naturalized in 1896. In the 1930 census he is listed as a farmer in Preston Township, Brookings County, S.D.