Wiersma, William 1870-1938

WIERSMA, VEDDERS

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

Source: Alton Democrat (8-26-1938)

Born: March 15, 1870
Died: August 11, 1938

William Wiersma, for many years sheriff of Sioux County, passed away Wednesday last, August 11, at his home in Sheldon. He had suffered severely from a heart ailment for a year and several attacks last week brought the close to a useful life.

Born in Orange City, on March 15, 1870, he could say truly that he “grew up with Sioux County.” In 1896 he married Miss Fannie Vedders and 8 children were born to them.

He served as sheriff of Sioux County from 1912 to 1920 and during the World War was chairman of the exemption board. Later he took an interest in livestock buying and became interested also in real estate and insurance.

One child, Miss Harriet, preceded him in death, and he is survived by his widow and seven children, as follows: Freda, Mrs. Walter De Vries, Denver, Colorado; Anne, Mrs. H. Ring, San Jose, California; Deane, Mrs. Fred Koerner, George, Iowa; John, Grundy Center,; Celia, Mrs. J.W. Brouwer, Orange City; Marguerite, Mrs. G.J. Sterken, Mason City; Helen, Mrs. L. Kuiper, Flemington, New Jersey; and Dorothy, Mrs. A. Popma, Boise, Idaho.

Mrs. Ring, who visited her parents at Christmas time, and Mrs. Popma, who left about four weeks ago, were unable to come for the funeral services.

Brothers and sisters surviving are: Mrs. S. De Groot, Hull; Mrs. M. Schildt, Doon; J. Wiersma, Hull; J. Wiersma, Lynden, Washington; Mrs. W.J. Brouwer, Hull; Mrs. T. Hollander, Hull; Mrs. H.J. Fennema, Alton; P. Wiersma, Orange City; G. Wiersma, Orange City; Joe Wiersma, Orange City; Mrs. W. Meyer, Detroit, Michigan; Dewey Wiersma, Orange City; Mrs. W. Meyer, Sam and Pierre Wiersma, all of Orange City; Mrs. H. Wobbema, Orange City; and Gerrit Wiersma, Sheldon.

Thirteen grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services were held on August 20 at the Christian Reformed Church at Sheldon, with Reverend Bouma and Reverend Vander Werp of Orange City officiating. Interment was at Orange City.

A likeable man of charming personality and good business judgment, the deceased will be missed by a host of friends throughout the County. He was a good citizen who came to the finest Sioux County stock and the splendid men and women who grew up under his paternal guidance can look back with pride and gratitude on the heritage of pluck and perseverance that he bequeaths to them.

The family, in the loss of husband and father, have the sympathy of all who knew him.