Duistermars, Douwe "Donald' 1890 - 1928

DUISTERMARS, WESTRA, BONNEMA

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Duistermars, Douwe 'Donald' 38 yrs, died 21 Aug 1928 Orange City, IA.

A family report on line (by others) lists Douwe ‘Donald’ Dustermars born 17 Mar 1890 Sioux Center His parents were William Diustermars 1850-1901 and Tryntje Douwes Westrra 1860-1931. His wife was Alice Bonnema Duistermars born 6 Sep 1890 Sioux Center and died 25 March 1968 Chico Butte California. She was a daughter of Pieter and Trintje Bonnema. Children listed were – Kathryn 1911, Margaret 1913, Peter 1916, Beatrice 1920, Viola 1921, Elmer 1924, Madeline 1924.

-------
Nieuwsblad of Aug 22, 1928 In Dutch
Translated:
Donald Duistermars passed away in Orange City on Tuesday morning at the age of 38 years, 5 months and 4 days. We already mentioned that the disease that affected Duistermars so strongly was a consequence of the fall he had years ago. Duistermars lived at Sioux Center and was injured here for about 35 years. Not much fond of farming, he turned to electricity. Through his own effort he managed to acquire the courage to give Sioux Center an electric light system. On October 31, 1913, the town submitted a Franchise to Duistermars to build a electric system. In 1914, while sitting on a high post by the Telephone Exchange, he fell and was so injured on his back that his whole life had to remain invalid. He sold the electric plant and franchise to the Iowa Light Heat and Power Co.
He sold cars for a while and ran an electric shop. Later he went into the jewelry business and made it a success. He went on to study as an optician in the meantime and, in no time at all, graduated, settled in Orange City, where he lived for the last few years. The deceased leaves behind his wife and 7 children. The oldest graduated from high school this year. The funeral will take place Friday at Sioux Center with services at home and at Trinity Church in Orange City at 1.30 and two o'clock