DYKSHORN, MARTIN AND JENNIE (VANDE BERG)
Martin Dykshorn, the eldest son of William and Johanna (Vrymoet) Dykshorn, was born on January 19, 1896, on the family farm one mile south and six miles west of Sioux Center. He attended the school, Center #5, where later his children and grandchildren received their early education.
In those days farm boys went to school in the winter time and didn't get to complete the eighth grade. Martin continued helping his father until he was drafted into the Army where he served in France in World War I. He was "gassed" and was hospitalized for a time. He continued serving in the army in France until the war was ended. After he was discharged he farmed three and a half miles south of the family farm.
On February 21, 1923, he married Jennie Vande Berg. Jennie was the youngest daughter of Lambert and Dina (Bruins) Vande Berg. She was born November 23, 1898, near Newkirk, IA. She was baptized in the Newkirk Reformed Church. Jennie's parents and family moved to their farm four and a half miles east of "Old Town" Sioux Center. It was at the country school, Holland #3, that she had most of her education. They attended the Reformed Church in Sioux Center. If the West Branch River overflowed, they would go to church in Middleburg. The story of Lambert and Dina Vande Berg is given separately.
Martin and Jennie Dykshorn.
Jennie's parents retired to Sioux Center where she completed her education through the eighth grade. She wanted so much to go to high school, but her mother's health kept her home. She cried when others her age were going on to high school.
Jennie became an organist in her church. She told of time when a mouse would play near her feet and also of times she'd begin to play for the singing and no music would come, the "pumper" would fall asleep behind the organ. She was also active in Girls Society or "Mission Band" as it was called, and was a teacher in the education department.
Jennie and her mother would make blankets for new brides, which were ordered by the mother of the bride. Some would order a half dozen of them. The proceeds would be given to the "Vrowen vrending", her mother's Ladies Aid. Some of Jennie's hand work, used in the church is on display on the Northex of the First Reformed Church.
On February 21, 1923, Martin Dykshorn and Jennie Vande Berg were married and lived on the farm Martin was working near Ireton. It was there that their daughters ware born, Joyce Marie (Mrs. John Sjaarda) born April 25, 1924, and Lois Betty (Mrs. Gordon Van Roekel) born on August 6,1927.
In 1932, Martin's parents retired to the house that is now 248 2nd St. S. E. in Sioux Center and then Martin and Jennie moved to the family farm where they lived until 1942 when they moved to the farm one mile south which they purchased the previous year. In 1948, they moved into Sioux Center and resided on 2nd Ave. S. W.
Martin was on the Board of Directors of the Farmers Mutual Cooperative Creamery and later on the Board of the Mutual Telephone Company until his health prevented his continuing.
In 1931, they built their new home at 306 1st Ave. S. E. They were active in the First Reformed Church where he was a member all of his life and served as a Deacon and an Elder. Jennie was a member of the Valley Ladies Circle. This was a group of neighbor ladies of both the Reformed and Christian Reformed Churches, that met at home. When that circle disbanded and women began to drive she joined the circle in her church where she served many of the offices through the years.
Martin Dykshorn passed away on September 7, 1968. Jennie continued to live in their home until past her 90th birthday. She died April 23, 1989. Both are buried in the Sioux Center cemetery.
The families of their daughters are as follows:
Joyce Dykshorn married John Sjaarda and they live in Sioux Center. They are the parents of four children: John Martin, James Matthew, Judson Michael, and Joan Marie (Mrs. Mark Wiemann). Their story is given separately.
Lois Dykshorn married Gordon Van Roekel and they live in Sioux Center. They are the parents of four children: Mary Ellen (Mrs. Vernon Fedders), Robert Allan, Ruth Leigh (Mrs. Dave Kooiker) and William Albert. Their story is given separately.
By Joyce M. Sjaarda