Vande Waa, Ellen (Mrs. Henry J. Sr.) 1848-1932

VANDEWAA, VANDESTEEG

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

Source:Alton Democratic (8-26-1932)

Born: May 20, 1848
Died: August 23, 1932

PIONEER OF THE COUNTY IS SUMMONED

Mrs. Vande Waa One Of Earliest Settlers

Mrs. Henry J. Vande Waa, Sr., died at her home in Orange City on August 23, at the age of 84 years, 3 months and 3 days.

She was born in Ede, Holland, in 1848, and came to the United States with her parents, Gerrit and Jacobje (Vande Hoef) Vande Steeg, when but six years of age, locating at Pella.

In that city she was married on February 27, 1867, to Henry J. Vande Waa, and in 1869 accompanied her husband to Sioux County where they established their home on the boundless prairie.

She was a member of the Gerrit Vande Steeg family, whose members were so prominently identified throughout the pioneer days of the county in the upbuilding of the community, and is survived by only one sister, Mrs. M. E. Lewis, now of Spokane, Washington.

Mr. Vande Waa passed on four years ago.

They are survived by eight children, as follows: Mrs. B. Mouw, Orange City; Mrs. G.B. VerSteeg, Waukegan, Illinois; Mrs. John Englesma, Holland, Michigan; Mrs. George Haverkamp, Gerrt Vande W, Dr. Henry J. Vande Waa, all of Orange City; Mrs. Guy Vanden Burg, Sioux City; Benjamin Vande Waa, Orange City; and also by 23 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

The five brothers and sisters who preceded Mrs. Vande Waa in death were John Vande Steeg, pioneer Orange City merchant; G. L. Vande Steeg, also know throughout the county; Gerrit Vande Steeg; Mrs. F. Slobe and Mrs. G. Beyer.

Mrs. Vande Waa was a devoted member of her church, the First Reformed Church and the funeral services will be held there this Friday afternoon at two o'clock, with the pastor, Reverend H. Colenbrander, conducting them.

Not only noted as one of the very earliest settlers of the county, coming in the vanguard of the thousands who followed later, Mrs. Vande Waa was noted for her devotion to family and friends, her passing leaving a void in the family and community circle that can never be filled.