Van Laar, Gerrit 1870-1952

VANLAAR, DENBESTE, SLOTBOON

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

Source: Sioux County Capital (4-17-1952)

Born: September 11, 1870
Died: April 12, 1952

RITES MONDAY FOR GERRIT VAN LAAR-- VETERAN MASON HERE

Gerrit Van Laar, veteran Alton retired mason, died at his home here Saturday morning at 5:45. He had been confined to bed for a week, in the care of his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Marra. He was 81 years of age.

Gerrit Van Laar was born in Holland on September 11, 1870, one of three children born to Fred John and Grada (Slotboon) Van Laar and passed away Saturday April 12, 1952. In 1872 the family immigrated to America. They lived at Chicago until 1880, when the family settled at Alton, where Mr. Van Laar’s father engaged in farming. When Mr. Van Laar reached manhood he took up the masonry trade. In about 1893 he married Susan Den Beste. They had three children: Fred, Peter and Jennie, the latter being Mrs. Nick Marra.

Mr. Van Laar was preceded in death by his wife Susan, and sons Fred and Peter. He is survived by a brother Fred, and a daughter Mrs. Nick Marra. There are fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Relatives from a distance who attended the services were the grandchildren Mr. and Mrs. Everett Marra and family and Nicholas Marra, all of Cleveland, Ohio and Gary Marra from Cedar Falls, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Den Beste of Sioux Center; Mrs. S. Starkenburg and Gerrit Starkenburg of Worthington, H. Den Beste of Sibley, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Brunk of Sheldon.

Services were held in the Presbyterian Church Monday afternoon, Reverend Eggink officiating.

Devoted to his family and friends, Mr. Van Laar will be missed around Alton, where he has long been a familiar and friendly figure.