Vanderberg, Dick 1870-1928

VANDERBURG, AALFS, POSTEMA

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

Source: Maurice Times (8-2-1928)

Born: October 3, 1870
Died: July 27, 1928

Brooding over a tragic accident in which he was the unwilling instrument if fate resulting in the death of Dick Vanderberg last Thursday night a well known elevator man of Northwestern Iowa, after a year’s illness at a hospital in Cherokee at the age of 58 years.

Mr. Vanderberg was manager of the Farmer’s Cooperative Elevator at Orange City, where he had lived for a number of years. Just about a year ago a car driven by Mr. Vanderberg through the streets of Orange City struck a five year old girl, who while playing with other children in the street, ran in front of the Vanderberg’s car, sustaining injuries which caused her death. The accident was unavoidable and Mr. Vanderberg was exonerated from all blame. The death of the child of a friend preyed on the mind of Mr. Vanderberg and caused a mental and physical breakdown. He went to a hospital for care and his condition responded to treatment and he was thought to be fully regaining his health and returned to his home again. A few weeks ago he suffered a relapse and was returned to the hospital where his condition became worse and he rapidly sank.

Dirk Vanderberg was born fifty eight years in the province of Friesland Holland. When a boy he located in Le Mars with his mother and other relatives. He was an employee of the Plymouth Roller Mills in his early youth. He later was manager of the Peavey elevator at Seney.

Mr. Vanderberg then embarked in the grain business for himself, establishing a business at Sioux Center which he subsequently sold to his brother, Epke Vanderberg. After leaving Sioux Center he managed elevators at Maurice and Orange City.

Mr. Vanderberg was active in community and church affairs and while residing in Maurice and Sioux Center held positions as members of the city council and school boards. He was a musician of considerable talent and officiated as organist in the Reformed Church for a number of years.

He was a man of fine appearance, whole souled and generous and well liked among a large of friends and acquaintances, who appreciated his fine sensibility and honorable qualities.

Mr. Vanderberg was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Aalfs, a daughter of John and Anna (Postema) Aalfs, a Le Mars pioneer. With his wife he leaves to mourn five children, Mrs. Harry De Jager of Maurice; Mrs. George Wassenar, Cascade, Ralph, Alma and Frances living at home in Orange City. He also leaves three brothers, Jake Vanderberg of London, Minnesota, Epke Vanderberg of Sioux City, Peter Vanderberg of Jasper, Minnesota and two sisters, Mrs. H.L. Dambrink and Mrs. Louis Luikens of Le Mars.

The fueral services were held Monday afternoon from the residence in Orange City and services held in the Reformed Church.