VAN DE BERG, HENRY R. AND DELLA (KROON)

Henry R. and Della (Kroon) Van De Berg lived on their farm one mile east of "Kroons Corner" all the years they ware engaged in farming. In 1964 they retired and took up residence at 304 2nd Ave. S.E. in Sioux Center. There Henry spent many hours playing pool and checkers with his children and grandchildren, while Della kept coffee and fresh goodies made for everyone who stopped by. Both of them ware life long members of the First Reformed Church, where Henry served as a deacon. In March 1970, Henry became ill with leukemia, and he passed away on June 22 of that year. In 1988, Della moved into the Sioux Center Hospital Nursing Wing where she still resides and enjoys her many visitors.

Henry was born to Ralph J. and Ella (Kosters) Van De Berg on September 26, 1906, on the farm two miles east and a half north of Sioux Center where he grew to manhood. He had three brothers and three sisters. He was the director of rural school Welcome #8 for several years.

Della's parents ware Henry D. and Hattie (Van Roekel) Kroon. She was born on January 21, 1907, near Perkins, and grew up with her seven sisters and four brothers on several farms north and east of Sioux Center.

They were married on a Saturday night, January24, 1931, at the home of Rev. and Mrs. L.A. Brunsting. Because of extremely deep ruts in the roads, they had to go in a horse drawn carriage, and only the groom's father was able to be present with them for the ceremony. Their honeymoon was an overnight stay at the home of her sister and husband, the Peter A. Punt's.

On May 6, 1932, their first child, Elma Ruth, was born, followed by Verna on May 3, 1934; Harold born on October 19, 1936; Eldora, born January 15, 1939; Hendrene, born December 21, 1940; Ralph, born November 28, 1942; Wilmer James, born March 4, 1944; and Ardith June, born May 23, 1946. They attended rural school Welcome #8 and the Sioux Center Public Schools.

Elma married Lloyd Van Roekel in 1951; they farmed in the Sioux Center and Newkirk area until they moved into Sioux Center in 1988. Their three children are Mark (wife - Brenda De Wild) of Orange City; Paul (wife - Linda Holwerda) of Sioux Center; and Janet (Mrs. Brian Amundson) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Verna married Arend Sandbulte in 1953, their home is Duluth, Minnesota, where he is President of Minnesota Power. They have four children: Ruth (Mrs. Arlan Peterson), Greg (wife - Cheryl Carlson), Rachel - Mrs. Bruce Ostrander), all of Duluth and Kristi (Mrs. Jeff Melby) of New Brighton, Minnesota.

Harold married Joan Schoep in 1957, they live at Garretson, South Dakota, where Harold is farming. Their children are: Carol (Mrs. Bruce Boelman) of Luverne, Minnesota, Vern (wife- Nancy Van Ruler) of Luverne Minnesota, Norlyn (wife - Sandy Donelen) of Garretson, Sharla (Mrs. Tom Trutwin) of Little Falls Minnesota, David (wife - Angela Niessink) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Loren and Paul are at home. A son Paul died in infancy.

Eldora married Harold Van Zandbergen in 1960. they live near Newkirk, where they farm and operate a sports shop in their home. They have five children; Mikell (Mrs. Ali Rabih) of Denver, Colorado, Mavis (Mrs. James Schipper) of Hospers, Iowa, Robert (wife Robin Van Kalsbeek) of Orange City, Martha (Mrs. Darren Hulst) of Hospers, and Maria at home.

Hendrene married John J. Zoet in 1967, they farm near Hull, Iowa and have two children; Brian and Barbara.

Ralph and his wife, Mary Vander Esch, were married in 1964 and reside on the family farm one mile east of Sioux Center. They have two children: Scott (wife - Jolyn Stuit) of Plains, Kansas, and Leah is a student nurse in Sioux City, Iowa.

Wilmer married Wynetta Compaan,in 1968. They also farm near Sioux Center. They are the parents of five children: Michelle, Travis, Melanie, Troy, and Melinda.

Ardith of Sioux Center is a Kindergarten school teacher at Kinsey Elementary School in Sioux Center.

by Elma R. Van Roekel