Van Heuvelen, Elmer C. 1922-1938

VANHEUVELEN, GANZEVOORT

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

Source: Find a Grave

Born: May 7, 1922
Died: June 15, 1938

Elmer is the son of Benjamin & Maggie (Ganzevoort) Van Heuvelen.

Funeral services for Elmer Van Heuvelen were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the home, where Reverend R. Redeker, pastor of the American Reformed Church, read a scripture lesson and offered prayer. A mixed quartet of Sanborn young people, friends of Elmer, and in charge of Lloyd Hofmeyer, sang, "Does Jesus Care?" The church was filled to capacity for the services there, when friends and relatives gathered to pay final tribute of sympathy and respect. Special music included a duet by Mrs. John Van Hull and Gerrit Oostenburg, "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," and a trio, "Love Lifted Me," a favorite hymn of Elmer's, sung by Wilma DeJong and Sylvia and Eva DeKok. Rev R. Redeker chose for his text, "Be ye therefore ready also, for the Son of Man cometh in an hour when ye think not."

Pallbearers were members of his Sunday school class, Richard and Mitchell Vander Tuig, Jake and Ray Japenga, August Egdorf and Vern Oostenbrug. Honorary pallbearers were Willis Oostenbrug and William Oldenkamp. Interment was made in the Hospers Cemetery.

Elmer Cyril Van Heuvelen was born at Archer, Iowa, May 7, 1922. He attended the school at Archer, schools around Primghar and the Primghar High School for one semester. He died June 15, 1938, at the age of 16 years, 1 month and 8 days.

Elmer had been, until his death, very faithful in his church attendance, as well as faithfully meeting with the weekly Bible school and his Sunday school class on Sundays.

Elmer is survived by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Van Heuvelen; three brothers, Gilbert, Raymond and Henry; four sisters, Mrs. B. Leitheiser, Mrs. T. Van Houte, Mrs. Ed. Robinson and Mrs. Donald Davis.
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Source: Hawarden Independent (6-16-1938)

Two persons were drowned and a third narrowly escaped death at Peterson Wednesday afternoon when a foot bridge above the dam in the Little Sioux River collapsed, throwing them into the rain swollen stream.

Delbert Schultz, 23, and Elmer Van Heuvelen, 16, were drowned and Raymond, 12 year old brother of Elmer, floated to shore on a plank. H.J. Morrison Jr. of Peterson, Morningside College athlete, was swept over the dam when he tried to recover the body of Elmer Van Heuvelen. He had seized it but lost his grasp in the rushing waters. Morrison reached the shore with difficulty. Van Heuvelen's body was not recovered. The body of Schultz, who is survived by a wife and child, was recovered. The trio was crossing the wooden structure when the bridge gave way. They had been on a fishing party at the dam.