Vander Schaaf, Gertrude "Gertie" 1893-1974

VANDERSCHAAF, HOFMEYER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

Source: Alton Democrat (1-30-1974)

Born: August 31, 1893
Died: January 21, 1974

Funeral services lor Gertrude Vander Schaaf, age 80, of Hospers. were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 24, 1974 at the First Reformed Church of Hospers. Reverend Henry J. Vermeer officiated and Reverend Lester Haspels, her son-in-law of Parker, Arizona officiated at the graveside services.

Pallbearers were Barry Van Zanten, Lyle Vander Pol, Harold J. Vander Pol, Larry Baltzer, Tom Walker and Dave Kleis. Honorary Pallbearers were Joe Boenrder. Henry P. Vander Zwaag, Arnold Vander Wilt, Jim Cleveringa, Andrew, Jurrians, Mince Oordt, Harold Van Weltering, Ron Van't Hof, William Verdoorn, and Herman Laffoon.

Special music was provided by the Melodaire Quartet of Newkirk who sang, "City of Gold" and "Will the Circle be Unbroken." The organist was Mrs. Audley Dolphin. Burial was at the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Vander Ploeg's Funeral Home.

Mr. Vander Schaaf died March 1, 1956. Four children died in infancy and she was preceded in death also by a son-in-law, B.E. Van Zanten; five sisters and five brothers and her parents.

Mrs. Vander Schaaf is survived by her daughters Joyce Lois Haspels and Arlene Vander Pol, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one sister, Mrs. Josie Foreman of Hospers; one brother, Mr. Jake Hofmeyer of Orange City.

The life of Gertie Hofmeyer Vander Schaaf began on August 31, 1893 at Hospers and expired on January 21, 1974 at the Orange City Hospital.

She was the twelfth of thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Harm Hofmeyer. Her early life was spent on a farm south of Hospers and when she was a young teenager, the family moved to Newkirk where they lived until February 12, 1920 when she married Garret Vander Schaaf.

After their marriage, Garrett and Gerty farmed near Orange City and Northeast of Newkirk. In 1936 Arlene Nellie Hofmeyer was taken into their home. Other foster children included Harold Wendell of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Tommy Walker of Winnebago, Nebraska and Chuck Bomar of Canoga Park, California. Several other children were given temporary homes at various times.

Gerty made confession of her faith when she became a member of the Newkirk Reformed Church as a young girl. In this Christian fellowship she took an active part in the choir and women's organizations.

Sacred music has always been an integral part of Mrs. Vander Schaaf's life. She participated in church choir and was a member of the Sioux County Women's Chorus. She was fond of teaching children in the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She rendered service to missionaries by cooking at the Okoboji Bible and Missionary Conference several summers.

Gerty was also interested in community and civic affairs. She participated actively in some political rallies and community celebrations.

One of the greatest joys of her later life was portraying an Indian mother in the Centennial pageant in Hospers.

Her genuine spirit of love and concern for others and her optimistic attitude toward life leaves her a host of relatives and friends to mourn her departure.