Van Eldik, Nellie (Mrs. Dirk) 1867-1945

VANELDIK, VANDEVELDE

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

Source: Rock Valley Bee (2-2-1945)

Born: July 11, 1867
Died: January 27, 1945

MRS. VAN ELDIK SR.--BELOVED VALLEY PIONEER PASSES--EARLY SETTLER HERE IS CALLED AFTER A SHORT ILLNESS

Mrs. Dirk Van Eldik, Sr. nee Nellie Vande Velde, died after an illness of several weeks on January 27, Saturday.

She was born on July 11, 1867, at Waadenooijen, near Tiel in the Netherlands, where she grew to womanhood. She came to the United States with her family and arrived in Rock Vally, when the settlement was still in its infancy. She married Dick Van Eldik on March 2, 1893 in Rock Valley and they made their home here until the death called them. Ten children were born to them, seven daughters and three sons. Mr. Van Eldik and three daughters preceded her in death. The children who survive their mother are: Dick, Cora (Mrs. W. Vander Well), Herman, William, Margaret (Mrs. G.H. Harmelink), and Ardella (Mrs. D. Lieux) all of Rock Valley, and Bertha (Mrs. Robert Downs) of Meta Mora, Michigan. Three brothers, Joe, Henry, and Herbert Vande Velde, all siding in California, also survive, besides 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Thus we lose another one of the pioneers of this community, grow from a few sod houses and scattered homes to a thriving town and community.

She is not gone but in another room, Na, not cold beneath the grasses, Not close walled within a tomb; Rather, in our Father's mansion, Living in another room. Shall I doubt my Father's mercy? Shall I think of death as doom, Or the stepping o'er the threshold, To a Bigger, Brighter Room.