Van Roekel, John A. 1880-1951

VANROEKEL, VANDEKROL, VANSTRUYLAND

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Source: Boyden Reporter (6-14-1951)

Born: January 5, 1880
Died: June 11, 1951

John A. Van Roekel, one of the early settlers in Sioux County, passed away very suddenly Monday morning June 11, at his home in Boyden, about 8:30 o’clock. Death was due to a heart attack.

Mr. Van Roekel reached the age of 71 years, 5 months, and 6 days. He was born near Pella, Iowa, January 5, 1880. He came to Sioux County with his parents, Abraham and Nancy (Vande Krol) Van Roekel.

He was married to Gertie Van Struyland at Orange City, Iowa February 21, 1907. They farmed near Boyden and Orange City for 35 years then retired from active farming and moved to Hull for two years and later to Boyden where he spent his remaining years.

Seven children were born to them, all of whom with their mother, 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive him.

The children are Nancy, Mrs. John Horn of Lake Wilson, Minnesota; Albert and Gertrude, Mrs. Tunis Vander Lee of Sheldon; Wilhelmina, Mrs. Howard Harmon, Abraham, Henrietta, Mrs. Dale Ferwerda and Joan, Mrs. Philip Van Gorp, all of Boyden.

Besides the family, three sisters and four brothers also survive. They are: Mrs. Wilhelmina Franzen and Mrs. Tena Van Engen of Sibley, Tony of Slayton, Minnesota, William of Maurice, George of Sanborn, Bert of Sheldon, Gertrude, Mrs. Harry Rensink and Henry of Boyden.

His parents, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Mr. Van Roekel was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church of Botden.

He was a kind and loving father and will be greatly missed by his family, relatives, neighbors, and friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon, June 14, at 1 o’clock at the home and 1:30 at the First Reformed Church at Boyden. Burial in the local cemetery. Reverend C. Postma officiated. Reverend J.W. Brink of Archer delivered a short message.

Pallbearers were Henry Harman, Virgil Smith, Joe Mouw, Pete De Boer, A. Bos and Paul Schreuder, all neighbors of the deceased.