Braskamp, Elizabeth Miss 1875-1960

BRASKAMP, JILLESE

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 1/28/2017 at 08:41:36

Alton Democrat of Feb 18, 1960

Miss Marie Elizabeth Braskamp, long-time resident of Alton, was taken ill last Wednesday morning and passed on at the Orange City hospital the following morning, February 11 th . Born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands January 9, 1875, Miss Braskamp came to Alton at the age of seven with her parents , Mr. and Mrs. Johannes H. Braskamp and her brothers and sisters. She was trained in trade as a seamstress from childhood, and did exquisite and painstaking work which became greatly in demand in Sioux City where she was employed for some years in homes of wealth and fashion. She made many a wedding gown for belles of that city and was welcomed in many homes, where she became a loved member of the household, particularly in the Hubert Everist home, becoming a "second mother" to the children of that family.

She returned to Alton to care for her parents in their declining years and after their death continued to keep her residence here, while dividing her time with Sioux City friends. The last few months she has been more closely confined to her home. Miss Braskamp was a long time member and officer of the Christian Science Society of Alton and Second Reader for several terms. She actively participated in the Sunday services until a few months ago.

A member for many years of Century Chapter Order of Eastern Star, she was also active in that organization; having served year after year as a Star "point"—the Biblical Ruth, whose life of loyalty and devotion she so well exemplified in her own life.

Survivors include a brother William J . Braskamp of Huron SD, and a sister, Mrs. A. J. Nieuwenhuis (Elizabeth) of Hospers. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers , John, Sam and Albert . Miss Braskamp was the only member of her family remaining in Alton but her good friends and close neighbors immediately notified her family of h e r illness and subsequent death, and they arrived Friday to make final arrangements for h e r funeral.

Services Were held Saturday afternoon at the local Presbyterian church in charge of the Van Etten Funeral home of Orange City, Rev. James Bos of Hospers First Reformed church officiated. Mrs. Ralph Van Zyl of Alton, a close friend, played the organ prelude and postlude and accompanied Mary Bowers, who sang "Open my eyes, that I may see .

Pallbearers were Earl Kiernan, Marcus Muilenburg, Ralph Van Zyl, Casey De Munck, George Bowers and Charles De Vries. The family also named Henry Klein and Frank Allen as honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Nassau township cemetery at Alton. Here from out-of-town were Mrs. Nieuwenhuis and her children, Mr. and Mrs. M. J . Heusinkveld of Nevada, Iowa, with whom she was visiting at the time; Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Braskamp of Huron and their daughter Lois, who is Mrs. Chas. S. Hanson of Pierre , S.D.; Mrs. J . S. Shannon, Mifflintown, Pa., and from Sioux City, Messrs. & Mesdames Dan Everist , R. H. Everist, Paul Bekins, Henry Shull, R. C. Sardeson, Mrs. Marie Brandow, Mrs. I . F . Monroe; from LeMars: Mr. and Mrs. Byron O. Jeys and son Byron J r . , and Miss Pearl Lake; also a number of friends from Orange City.