Van Groningen, Peter 1866-1954

VANGRONINGEN, GROEN

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

Source: Alton Democrat (11-11-1954)

Born: April 24, 1866
Died: November 5, 1954

Peter Van Groningen. early settler and resident of Alton for 53 years, died at his home Friday, November 5 at the age of 88 years, 6 months and 12 days.

Born at Pella, Iowa, April 24th, 1866, he came to Sioux County at the age of 12 with his pioneer parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dirk Van Groningan. The family traveled from Pella by covered wagon in 1878 and settled on a homestead west of Hospers.

December 25, 1889 Mr. Van Groningen married Gertrude Groen and six children were born to the union. He was preceded in death by his wife who died March 30, 1946 and one infant son who died March 15, 1906.

Surviving are four sons and one daughter, namely: Richard of Superior, Wisconsin, Mrs. J. S. Egenes (Nellie) of Sutherland; Clarence of Orange City; John, Alton; Theodore, a captain in the U. S. Army Signal Corps, stationed in Germany; also seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the J. W. Allen Funeral Parlors, with Reverend LeRov Sandee officiating. Mrs. John Fennema and Mrs. Don Freriks sang two hymns. Pallbearers were Gerrit Roghair, E. J. Roelfson, Nick Marra, Guy Pluim, Henry Van Asselt and Simon Scholten. Interment was in Nassau Township Cemetery.

Among those here for the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Van Groningen of Superior, Wisconsin, Mrs. Egenes of Sutherland, Mrs, C. Vander Poel, sister of the late Mrs. Van Groningen, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Vander Poel, John Dodewaard, Mrs. John Vander Poel, all of Rock Valley; and a number of nephews and nieces of Orange City, besides the family and friends from this vicinity.

Although retired for many years from active work, Mr. Van Gronigen continued to the last to enjoy working in his garden. Although failing in health the past year he was up town a few weeks before his death with a friendly greeting for all. He will be missed by his family, neighbors and friends.