Vrieze, William, 1883-1948

VRIEZE

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

From the Sioux County Capital, June 24, 1948:

WILL VRIEZE

Will Vrieze of Alton died last Wednesday morning, June 16, after a heart attack. He was on his way home from the postoffice and called at the Henry Fennema home. He had just told Mr. Fennema that he was not going to the Sunday School picnic the next day but planned to stay home and rest, when he fell from his chair and soon died. He had had a heart ailment for many years. He was in his sixties.

Mr. Vrieze was a lifetime resident of the Alton vicinity, and for the past few years made his home with his brother Gerrit, who survives him with their sister, Mrs. Herbert Lucas. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, and interment was in Nassau Township cemetery.

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From the Alton Democrat, June 24, 1948:

Wm. Vrieze Rites At Alton Wednesday

The sudden death of Wm. Vrieze Wednesday, June 16th from a heart attack, was a shock to his family and friends here, although for three years he has not been in good health.

He was born at Alton July 3, 1883 and was nearly 65 years of age. For 28 years he made his home with his brother Gerrit and family on the farm and moved to town with them this spring. He was a sociable and friendly man and was liked and respected by all.

At the time of his death he was visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fennema after driving to the Fennema home with their mail, since Mr. Fennema has been unable to leave the house for some time. His brother Gerrit was at the farm and Mrs. Gerrit Vrieze was at the hospital in Orange City where her son Vernon had just undergone an operation the same morning.

Surviving are Gerrit Vrieze and one sister, Mrs. Herbert Lucas, and a number of nephews and nieces. One sister, Mrs. Pete Jiskoot, and three brothers, John, Joe and Ben, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Friday at First Ref. church, following brief services in the home. Rev. Hesselink officiated and two hymns were sung by Alma Ruth Rexwinkel and Geraldine Schreur, accompanied by Mrs. Stewart De Groot. Pallbearers were John Hofmeyer, Nick Aalbers, Gerrit Rensink, John Jansen, Joe Aberson, Wm. Duistermars.

Relatives and friends from a distance at the services were Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Lee, Lloyd Vrieze, Mrs. John Shevel, Mrs. Julia Henderson, Mrs. John Ruesink, Spring Valley, Minn.; Messrs. and Mesdames Ray Doornink, Ben Sikking, Gt. Nagel and Mrs. M. Mensink, Preston, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. John Nyenhuis, Austin, Minn.; and Mr. and Mrs. John Lagendyk, Avon, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Van Bergen, Mrs. Herman Van Werven, Sheldon; Mr. and Mrs. John Huitink; besides many from Orange City and neighboring towns.

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He does not appear in the Sioux County Cemetery Index.

A biographical article on his niece, Lillian (Vrieze) Harmelink, daughter of Gerrit Vrieze, says that her uncle [apparently William] was crippled with polio and living with the Vrieze family.