Peter Balkema

HYINK, BALKEMA, FOSTER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/15/2015 at 23:39:40

Northwestern Iowa
Its History and Traditions
1804 – 1926

Following the example of many well known lawyers, Peter Balkema utilized educational work as a stepping-stone to his success in the legal profession and his industry and ability have placed him with the leading members of the Sioux City bar. He was born April 1, 1888, in Sioux County, Iowa, and is of Holland Dutch stock. He is a son of Albert and Everdene (Hyink) Balkema, the former of whom migrated from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Iowa and purchased a farm in Sioux County.

Peter Balkema attended the public schools of Orange City, Iowa, and the Northwestern Classical Academy of that place. He next matriculated at Buena Vista College of Storm Lake, Iowa, from which he received the A.B. degree in 1907, and for a year was superintendent of schools at Ireton. In 1908 he took the civil service examination, which he passed with high honors, and was appointed traveling supervisor of public school teachers in the Philippine islands. He acted in that capacity for two years and on his return to the United States entered the law department of the University of Michigan, from which he won the degree of J.D. in 1913. After his graduation he came to Sioux City and for three years was associated with the law firm of Shull-Gill-Sammis & Stilwill. Mr. Balkema has practiced under his own name since 1916 and has enjoyed a large and lucrative clientele. He is well versed in the fundamental principles of jurisprudence and has correctly applied his knowledge to the points in litigation. An able advocate, he has won a large percentage of his cases. Since January 1, 1926, he has been retained and is now acting as legal counsel for the Tolerton & Warfield Company and its allied houses and interests.

At Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1914, Mr. Balkema was married to Miss Oma Foster, a daughter of W.D. and Mattie A. Foster and of Scotch, Irish and Dutch descent. Her father spent his early life in Illinois and afterward resided in Pocahontas, Iowa, moving to Storm Lake about 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Balkema have two children; Dean W., who was born October 24, 1919, and Ruth L., born October 26, 1921. Mr. Balkema’s interest centers in his profession and his connection with social or fraternal organizations is limited to membership in Sioux City Lodge, No. 112, of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In politics Mr. Balkema is a republican, and in church activities a Presbyterian, in which connection he is a trustee of Buena Vista College of Storm Lake, Iowa. Mr. Balkema is a past president and member of the Sioux City Bar Association and a member of the Iowa State and the American Bar Associations. Earnest, purposeful and studious, he is steadily advancing in his chosen vocation and the respect accorded him is well deserved.