Langstraat, John “Johnny,” 1919-1936

LANGSTRAAT, VANROEKEL

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

From the Alton Democrat, April 24, 1936:

Newkirk School Youth Passes On

John Langstraat, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Langstraat of Newkirk, passed away Monday morning, April 20th, at the age of sixteen years. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon in the Newkirk church, with Rev. Z. Roetman officiating. Interment will take place in the Newkirk cemetery.

He was born on November 30, 1919, on the farm now occupied by Jake Ver Hoef, and lived there until last spring when the family moved to the farm just south of that place. He was a junior in the Newkirk high school and attended school until April 8th, the day on which he underwent an operation.

John was greatly liked by all who knew him or came in contact with him and his passing will leave an empty place in the community and school. He was a valuable member of the basketball and diamond ball teams and was an honor student.

He is survived by his parents and by six brothers and sisters, Cornelius at home; Mrs. Arthur Pluim (Nancy) of Alton; Abraham, at home; Mrs. Sam Roos (Angelina) of Hospers; Wilbur and Junior at home. A brother and sister died in infancy. Heartfelt sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.

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A similar obituary was published in the Sioux Center News, April 23, 1936. It adds that he died from ruptured appendicitis which filled his body with poison. His deceased sister, 10 months old, was named Lucile. This obit is followed by a sentimental poem.

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has him as Johnny Langstraat.

His death certificate adds his mother’s name, Celia Van Roekel, and says that he died in the Doornink Hospital, Orange City, at 9 a.m. April 20, 1936; cause: ruptured appendix on April 5, generalized peritonitis, past operation, pneumonia on April 9; an appendectomy was performed on April 7.