Leistra, Jane (Mrs. Peter P.), 1858-1935

LEISTRA, HOEKSTRA

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Born: August 29, 1858
Died: July 9, 1935

From the Alton Democrat, July 19, 1935:

Mrs. Jane Leistra (nee Hoekstra) passed away at the Hull Hospital Tuesday evening at 6:15 o’clock.

She was highly esteemed by all who knew her.

Jane Hoekstra was united in marriage to Peter P. Leistra on May 31, 1884, and to this union were born four children. Cora died as a child and three survive their mother as follows: Mrs. Will Evers of Rock Valley, Professor Peter A. Leistra of Gowrie and John Leistra of Rock Valley.
Funeral services were held at the home at 10 o’clock conducted by Reverend H. Colenbrander of Orange City and at the Christian Reformed Church by Reverend J. Gritters. Interment took place at Valley View Cemetery.

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From the Rock Valley Bee, July 19, 1935:

Pioneer Mother Called Home

Funeral services for Mrs. Jane Leistra, who passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital at Le Mars, Iowa, on Tuesday evening of last week, were held at the home and at the Christian Reformed church at Rock Valley last Friday afternoon. Rev. John Gritter, assisted by Rev. Henry Collenbrander, friend and former pastor of the family, was in charge of the services. Interment was made in Valley View Cemetery.

Mrs. Leistra was born at Marum in the province of Friesland, Netherlands, on August 29, 1858. At six years of age she lost her mother through death. At ten she left school to keep house for her father and younger sister and brother. In 1881 she migrated to America with her father, and since that time resided in Sioux or Lyon county. In 1884 she was united in marriage to Peter P. Leistra, to which union was born four children: Mrs. Ida Evers, Cora, who passed away at the age of eleven years, Peter A., and John.

With her husband, Mrs. Leistra engaged in farming. This was no easy life, and especially so during pioneer days when life was sharply marked by hardships and privations. These trials of life, however, helped to shape and temper her character. In 1920, Mr. and Mrs. Leistra left the farm and established a home in Rock Valley, where they continued to live until their death.

Mrs. Leistra’s life was characterized by a gentleness, a simplicity and an unselfishness, which made her many friends. She loved her home, her family and her neighbors, and was always ready to lend a hand to those in need.

Early in life she found the Lord and accepted Him in her life, and learned to draw upon that inexhaustible source for strength to meet the trials of life. She loved the work of God’s Kingdom, and counted it a privilege to be able to participate in the work of the church and its auxiliaries. In her declining years she felt that her earthly toil was done, that God had bountifully blessed her with earthly gifts, and she was ready and eager to pass on [to] that Great Rest which, through grace, has been promised to those who have sought Him with humble and contrite hearts.

During most of the past year, Mrs. Leistra suffered severely from arthritis, although her condition was not thought to be critical. About ten days before her death, she fell victim to a complication of ailments. She was at first cared for in the home of her daughter and was later removed to the hospital at Le Mars, where such aid and relief as could be given were rendered, but to no avail. Throughout her illness she was patient and uncomplaining.

Besides her children she leaves to mourn her passing, three grandchildren, a number of other relatives and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband and by her only brother, both of whom passed away about six years ago. Her passing has left a deep wound in the hearts of her loved ones. She has left behind memories that are indelible.

[Followed by a sentimental poem.]

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Her death certificate shows her as Jane H. Leistra, widow of Peter P. Leistra; born August 29, 1858 in the Netherlands, parents Edward and Ida Hoekstra; died in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Lemars, at 6 p.m. July 9, 1935; causes, cholelithiasis [formation of gallstones], onset July 1, uraemia, onset July 3, and intestinal obstruction paralytic, onset July 3; contributory causes, chronic myocardial disease and arteriosclerosis, onset 1925.