Hofmeyer, Dick, 1885-1941

HOFMEYER, BOERSMA, TRINEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/21/2022 at 22:45:57

Born: August 23, 1885
Died: October 8, 1941

From the Sioux County Capital, October 16, 1941:

OBITUARIES – DICK HOFMEYER

This community was shocked to hear of the sudden death of Dick Hofmeyer, living several miles east of Newkirk, who died suddenly while on business at Rock Rapids.

Mr. Hofmeyer was born August 23, 1885 and died October 8, 1941 at the age of 56 years, 1 month and 15 days. He was married to Martha Boersma, who survives. He also leaves 3 children: Virgil of Hull; and Luceil and Eugene at home; 5 brothers: Gerrit of Hospers, John of Sanborn; George of George; William of Hospers and Jake of Orange City; 5 sisters, Hattie, Mrs. John Van Oordt of Sheldon; Dena, Mrs. Sneltjes of Newkirk; Ella, Mrs. Martin Boersma of Hospers; Josie, Mrs. Jake Boersma of Hospers and Gertie, Mrs. Gerrit Vander Schaaf of Hospers, and also his aged mother, Mrs. Hofmeyer of Newkirk; and 2 grandchildren. Two sisters and his father preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held in the Reformed church of Hospers of which he was a faithful member and a deacon. The Rev. G. Doctor had charge of the services. Burial was in the Hospers cemetery. Pallbearers were: W. Den Hartog, J. Roetman, N. Nieuwenhuis, W. Swets, A. Van Dyk and C. Jacobsma.

Mr. Hofmeyer was in the Lyon county courthouse, Rock Rapids, taking care of business for his son Vergil, when he suffered the heart attack which proved fatal.

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From the Alton Democrat, October 17, 1941, Hospers news:

DICK HOFMEYER

Funeral services were held at the First Ref. church in Hospers on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 for Dick Hofmeyer, who died of a heart attack on Wednesday afternoon at the Rock Rapids Court House while transacting business. Rev. G. Docter officiated at the funeral services.

Dick Hofmeyer, the son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Hofmeyer, was born on August 23, 1885, at Orange City and at the time of his death was 56 years, 1 month and 15 days old. He grew to young manhood around the Orange City vicinity and on Feb. 10, 1910, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Boersma of Hospers. The young couple made their home on a farm near the Newkirk vicinity and later farmed for 11 years near Matlock, returning to Hospers six years ago.

Mr. Hofmeyer was a devoted member of the First Ref. church and for many years served as a deacon in the local church and filled that capacity at the time of his death. He was a devoted husband and father and was well liked by all who knew him.

Three children were born to this union, namely Virgil of Hull, Lucille and Eugene at home. Left to mourn his early departure are his wife, three children, his 95 year old mother, Mrs. Dena Hofmeyer of Newkirk, 2 grandchildren, Margene and Jay Dixon Hofmeyer, five sisters, Mrs. John Van Oordt, Mrs. Dena Sneltjes, Mrs. Martin Boersma, Mrs. Josie Boersma and Mrs. Gerrit Vander Schaaf. Five brothers, John, George, Gerrit, Will and Jake. He was preceded in death by his father, H. Hofmeyer, and two sisters, Miss Nettie and Mrs. A. Brinkhouse.

Interment was made in the Hospers cemetery west of town. Pallbearers were Walter Den Hartog, C. Jacobsma, Walter Swets, John Roetman, A. Van Dyke and Nelson Niewenhuis.

Relatives attending from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Boersma and Louise and Julia Boersma, Mrs. Te Krony Lubbert, and Harry, Albert, Alfred Te Krony, Mrs. G. Kalmyn, Mrs. Margaret Dougbian, Mr. and Mrs. John Van Gronigen, Mrs. Nick Hartman and son, all of Clear Lake, S.D., Mr. and Mrs. John Wynia, Mr. and Mrs. T. Bultsma and Jennie, all of Platte, S.D., Mr and Mrs. G. Holtman, Mr. and Mrs Warren Hutchinson and Fred Talsma, all of Springfield, S.D.

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From the Sioux County Index (Hull), October 18, 1941:

Hospers Man Drops Dead At Rock Rapids Court House

Dick Hofmeyer, about 60, of Hospers, Iowa, died suddenly at the court house at Rock Rapids, Wednesday afternoon of last week, shortly after two o’clock. Mr. Hofmeyer had climbed the first flight of stairs and, according to papers held in his hand, he was headed for the treasurer’s office. After he reached the top of the steps he began to groan and doctors were called immediately. Adrenalin injected directly into his heart failed to show any response. Mr. Hofmeyer is the father of Virgil Hofmeyer, who farms north of this place.

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RESEARCH NOTES

His death certificate (informant Virgil Hofmeyer, Hull) has Dick Hofmeyer, 53, husband of Martha Boersma, a farmer; born August 23, 1885 in Orange City; parents Herman Hofmeyer and Dena Trinen, both born in the Netherlands; died at Rock Rapids October 8, 1941; cause, coronary occlusion, duration 20 minutes; buried at Hospers.

His FindaGrave.com page includes a photo of his headstone; gives his parents as Hermanus Hofmeyer (1845-1934) and Lammerdiena Trinen (1848-1946); lists 12 siblings; spouse Martha Boersma Hofmeyer (1890-1983).

His World War I draft registration card describes him (age 33) as medium height and build, blue eyes, light hair.