VAN ROEKEL, GEURT A. AND DRIESJE "HATTIE" (VANDE BERG)
Geurt A. "Gerrit" Van Roekel and Hattie
(Vande Berg).
Geurt A. "Gerrit" Van Roekel was born September 8, 1882 in Sioux County. His parents were Abraham Van Roekel and Nancy Vander Kroll. Gerrit Van Roekel married Driesje "Hattie" Vande Berg on March 4, 1902 in Sioux Center. Hattie Vande Berg was born July 11, 1883 and she was the daughter of John Vande Berg and Wilhelmina Kastein who were noted pioneers of Welcome township. (See the separate story of John and Wilhelmina Vande Berg.) Hattie was the sixth child of nine children.
Gerrit A. Van Roekel and Hattie (Vande Berg) Van Roekel farmed one and a quarter
mile north and one mile east of Sioux Center in Welcome township. They first
lived in a one room house that was across from the creek from where they built
a new house. The new house was partially built from some cottonwood trees that
ware on that site. The lumber was cut down and sawed right on the spot. The Van
Roekel children went to the country school which was Welcome #8 and it stood one
fourth mile south of the Van Roekel driveway. High school was attended in Sioux
Center and was reached by a horse and buggy. The children carried their tin
innovative lunch pails which sometimes in the winter yielded a half frozen
lunch.
Geurt A. "Gerrit" Van Roekel Family. Front row L-R: Johanna (Mrs. John Klein), Mina (Mrs. Neal
Kroon), Hattie (Mrs. Gerrit Van Roekel), Jeanette (Mrs. Ben Kraayenbrink), and Jean (Mrs. Jack
Mieras). Back row L-R: John G.A. Van Roekel, Gerrit Van Roekel, Abe Van Roekel, and Alice (Mrs.
Art De Goei).
The winter of 1936 was memorable for the Van Roekel family, the snow banks ware so high that the vehicles could not be gotten out for a month. The family walked to church, and one trip to town with the horses took six hours. A few other special occasions for the Van Roekels was the birthday affair for Grandmother Van Roekel for which a big tent was rented and lots of home made goodies prepared. About 150 people would attend the big birthday get together. A mission feast held in the grove of the Gerrit Vande Stouwe farm just west of Hull was also a highlight.
Gerrit A. and Hattie Van Roekel were the parents of eight children and their families are listed as follows:
Wilhelmina "Mina" Van Roekel was born March 18, 1904 Sioux Center and she married Cornelius "Neal" Kroon who was born April 13, 1905. Neal had a garage in Rock Rapids, IA and also was the Lyon County Sheriff. Neal and Mina Kroon lived in Rock Rapids and were the parents of one daughter, Ruth (Mrs. Milton Hocking).
Abraham "Abe" Van Roekel was born January 28, 1906 Sioux Center and he married Martha Van Wyk who was born May 22, 1913. They are farmers and lived near Beaver Creek, MN. Abe and Martha Van Roekel ware the parents of four children: Viola M. (Mrs. Marcus Uithoven), Robert E. Van Roekel, Donald L. Van Roekel, and Roger A. Van Roekel.
Jeanette Van Roekel was born July 12,1909 Sioux Center and she married Ben Kraayenbrink who was born October 20, 1911. They were farmers living near Sioux Center and have retired in Sioux Center. Jeanette and Ben Kraayenbrink are the parents of seven children: Harry Kraayenbrink, Darlene (Mrs. Peter Moss), Alvin Kraayenbrink, Dick Kraayenbrink, Bernice (Mrs. John Vander Stouwe), Joyce A. (Mrs. Allen Brown), and Linda (Mrs. James J. Lyons).
Welcome School #9, approximately 1915. Top row from left: Martin Brommer, George Kuhl, John
Vande Berg, Jessie Zoerink, teacher, Gerdena Vande Berg, Cora and Coba VanBeek (twins).
Third row: Elmer Straatsma, Hattie Kuhl, Wilmina Van Roekel, Jennie Van Beek, Della Kuhl,
Christina Weyers, John Weyers, Pete Pollema. Second row: Simon Pollema, unidentified, Annie
Pollema, Jeanette Van Roekel, Reka Kuhl Pollema, Teddy Schenk. Front row: Siebolt Pollema,
Freddie Kuhl, Henry R. Vander Berg, John Straatsma, Johnny Kuhl, Abe Van Roekel. (photo of
Alice Dooyema)
Alice Van Roekel was born March 8, 1911 Sioux Center, she was a twin, and she married Art De Goei who was born July 5, l906. They were farmers and were in construction and lived in Orange City, IA. Alice and Art De Goei were the parents of four children: Gilbert De Goei, Delores (Mrs. Robert Van Driel), Alyce (Mrs. Donald Vander Stoep) and Arthur D. De Goei.
Johanna Van Roekel was born March 8, 1911 Sioux Center, she was a twin of Alice above, and she married John Klein who was born September 1, 1911. They were restaurant and grocery store operators and lived various places including Sioux Center, Hospers, and Sheldon. Johanna and John Klein were the parents of three daughters: Betty (Mrs. Lee Hodo), Shirley (Mrs. Dick Goodman), and Vicki (Mrs. Don Meuer).
Jean Van Roekel was born March 6, 1915 Sioux Center and she married Jack Mieras
who was born September 25, 1915. They were restaurant and grocery store
operators at various places, ending their career in Boyden, IA. Jean and Jack
Mieras are the parents of one daughter, Brenda (Mrs. Larry Moret).
John G.A. Van Roekel was born February 14, 1918 Sioux Center and he married
Martha Wierda who was born January 26, 1920. They were farmers and now are
retired and live in Sioux Center. (See their separate story in this book.) John
and Martha Van Roekel are the parents of four children: Larry Van Roekel, Janet
(Mrs. Jeffery Harcum), Virgina (Mrs. Stanley Oordt), and Michael J. Van
Roekel.
Gerrit A. Van Roekel was born February 6, 1920 Sioux Center and he married Irene Punt who was born March 2, 1922. They were farmers and later had the A&W Drive Inn. Irene lives in Sioux Center. Gerrit and Irene Van Roekel are the parents of two children: Judith Fay (Mrs. John Vande Vegte) and Dean Van Roekel.
by John G.A. Van Roekel
North section just west of the east side (N-S)cemetery road, going west row 14, rows are staggered.
Mr. G.A. Van Roekel, 65, passed away very suddenly at his home early Wed. morning. Mar. 5 following a heart attack. He had been in good health and became ill during the night, passing away at about 6:30 o'clock.
He was born in Sioux County September 8, 1881. In 1903 he married Hattie Vander Berg.
He is survived by his widow and the following 8 children: Mrs. Neal Kroon, Rock Rapids, Ia.; Abe Van Roekel, Beaver Greek, Minn.;. Mrs. Ben Kraayenbrink (Jeanette), Sioux Center; Mrs. John Klein (Johanna), Hull; Mrs. Art De Goei (Alice), Orange City; Mrs. Jake Mieras (Jean), Boyden; John Van Roekel, Sioux Center, and Gerrit Van Roekel, Maurice; 21 grandchildren. Brothers and sisters surviving are: Mrs. John Fransen. Sibley; John Van Roekel, Boyden; Tony Van Roekel, Sheldon; George Van Roekel, Sanborn; Mrs. Henry Langstraat. Sioux Center; Mrs. Tena Van Engen, Sibley; Wm. Van Roekel, Maurice; Henry Van Roekel, Boyden; Bert Van Roekel. Sheldon, and Mrs. Henry Rensink, Sioux Center .
One brother preceded him in death.
Mr. and Mrs. Van Roekel had celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on Tuesday evening with all the children at home for the occasion.
Sioux Center News 1947-03-20.
Funeral hold for Mrs. Hattie Van Roekel Saturday, August 17
Funeral services were held at the First Reformed Church here at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 17, for Mrs. Hattie Van Roekel, 91, lifelong resident of this community, who died August 14, at Sioux Center Community Hospital.
Services were conducted by the Rev. Gerrit Rezelman and burial was in Memory Gardens Cemetery here with Vander Ploeg's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Van Roekel, the former Hattie Vande Berg, was born July 11, 1883, in Sioux Center. She was married to Gerrit A. Van Roekel on March 4, 1903, at Hull.
The couple farmed in the Sioux Center area until his death March 5, 1947.
Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. Neal (Wilhelmina) Kroon of Rock Rapids, Mrs. Ben (Jeanet) Kraayenbrink and Mrs. John JJohanna) Klein, both of Sioux Center, Mrs. Art (Alice) De Goei of Orange City, and Mrs. Jean Mieras of Boyden; a son, John, of Sioux Center; 26 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren.
Sioux Center News 1974-08-22.
VAN ROEKEL, JOHN G. A. AND MARTHA (WIERDA)
John and Martha Van Roekel have their roots long established in the Sioux Center area. They attended school in Sioux Center and after their marriage February 20, 1942, they farmed one mile north and one and a fourth mile east of Sioux Center. Martha taught school in the country school in Garfield and Welcome township for five years, and later ran the cafe in the Tri State Sales Barn in Sioux Center for twenty years. After retiring from farming John and Martha built a new home at 338 Second Street N.E. in Sioux Center. John continued helping on the farm run by his sons Larry and Michael. John also does some custom lawn work with his mowing tractor. Martha enjoys various hobbies which include painting china and making dolls.
John G.A. Van Roekel was born February 14, 1918 Sioux Center to Geurt "Gerrit" Van Roekel and Hattie Vande Berg. (See their separate story.) On February 20, 1942 he married Martha Wierda. Martha was born January 26, 1920 to Martin Wierda and Ida De Lange. (See Martin Wierda's separate story.)
John G.A. Van Roekel Family. Back row L-R: Mike Van Roekel,Larry Van Roekel, Stanley Oordt
and Jeffery Harcum. Middle row: Judy (Mrs. Mike Van Roekel), Carolyn (Mrs. Larry Van Roekel),
Faye Van Roekel, Virginia (Mrs. Stanley Oordt), and Janet (Mrs. Jeffery Harcum).Front row L-R:
Shawna Van Roekel, Martha (Mrs. John G.A. Van Roekel),Chad Van Roekel, Eric Oordt, John
G.A. Van Roekel, and Meryl Harcum. Four children in front: Joshua Van Roekel, Brian and
Teresa Oordt, and Andrew Harcum.
John and Martha Van Roekel are the parents of four children who are as follows.
Larry Van Roekel was born February 23, 1947 and he married Carolyn De Boer on July 8, 1967. Carolyn was born November of 1946. Larry works for EMW Groschoop Inc. of Sioux Center. Larry and Carolyn Van Roekel are the parents of two children, Faye L. Van Roekel born February 25, 1974 and Chad J. Van Roekel born April 21, 1977.
Janet S. Van Roekel was born January 17, 1951 and she married Jeffery Harcum on May 12, 1973. Jeffery Harcum was born April 4, 1950. Janet graduated from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa, and is the Assistant Director of Pharmacy Services at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City, IA. Jeff Harcum works for Siouxland Metropolitan Council (SIMPCO) in Sioux City, IA. Janet and Jeff Harcum. have two children, Meryl J. Harcum. born January 8, 1982 and Andrew Neal Harcum born October 18, 1984.
Virginia Van Roekel was born April 19, 1955, and she married Stanley Oordt. Stanley Oordt was born July 16, 1949. Virginia bas a Home Economics Degree from Westmar College, and Stan is an electrician. They live south of Sioux Center. Virginia and Stan Oordt have three children: Eric M. Oordt born December 26, 1977, Brian S. Oordt born May 27, 1980 and Teresa Oordt born May 4, 1982.
Michael J. Van Roekel was bom. February 22, 1961, and he married Judy Boersma. Judy was born. March 18, 1960. Michael works for Vande Berg Scales as well as does same farming on the farm where they live. Judy works at Casey's Bakery. Mike and Judy have two children, Shawna L. Van Roekel born July 3, 1980 and Joshua John Van Roekel born January 21, 1985.
By John G. A. Van Roekel
Martha Van Roekel, 82, of Sioux Center died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, at her residence.
Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Central Reformed Church in Sioux Center, with the Revs. Van Rathburn and Marilyn Rensink officiating. Burial will be 9:45 am. Tuesday in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center.
Mrs. Van Roekel was born Jan. 26, 1920, in Rock Valley, Iowa, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wierda. She attended school in Sioux Center, graduating with a Normal Training Teacher's Certificate, and attended Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa. She taught in several rural schools.
She married John G.A. Van Roekel on Feb. 20, 1942. Their married life was lived on a farm near Sioux Center. They later retired to the city of Sioux Center.
She was a longtime member of Central Reformed Church of Sioux Center, where she was a member of the RCWM.
Survivors include her husband; four children, Larry of Sioux Center, Janet and her husband, Jeff Harcum of Sioux City, Virginia and her husband, Stan Oordt of Sioux Center, and Mike and his wife, Judy (Boersma) of Sioux Center; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers and their wives, Ray and Peg, and Marvin and Lorraine, all of Sioux Center; two sisters and their husbands, Delia and Henry Franken of Sioux Center, and Myrtle and Clarence Kid of Orange City, Iowa; and three sisters-in-law, Lucille Wierda and Frieda Wierda, both of Sioux Center, and Lucille Wierda of Orange City.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Tom, Lewis and Bernard; and two sisters, Jane Duits and Henrietta Parsonson.
Sioux County Capital Democrat 2002-01-31.
John G. A. Van Roekel
2/14/1918 - Friday, January 28, 2011
John G. A. Van Roekel, 92, of Sioux Center, IA died Friday, January 28, 2011 at Royale Meadows Care Center in Sioux Center.
A memorial service will be held Monday at 11 AM at Central Reformed Church with Rev. R. Van Rathbun officiating.
John G.A. Van Roekel was born February 14th, 1918, to Geurt "Gerrit" and Hattie (Vande Berg) Van Roekel and was born on a farm in Sioux County.
He attended school in Sioux Center, where he met the love of his life, Martha Wierda. John and Martha were wed on February 20th, 1942 and after a short stay in California, settled down on the family farm in Sioux County where they farmed and raised four children.
Their life centered around their faith in God and around their church life at Central Reformed Church, enjoying their many brothers and sisters and friends in the church.
Joining Martha in a business venture, John and Martha ran a successful restaurant, the Tri State Café, in addition to farming.
After retirement and sale of the restaurant, John and Martha built a new home in Sioux Center, and began a new phase of 'city' living. John delighted in going to the farm to help his sons Larry and Mike, operating the tractors, and freely giving advice and counsel.
John and Martha both enjoyed hand crafting items, whereby John will be remembered for wood working, including frames, trays, wooden stair shelves and doll houses, and Martha for her hand made dolls and painted china.
After Martha's death in 2002, John continued to stay busy with his Harper Broom business and truly enjoyed visiting with each and every one of his customers.
John was a wonderful conversationalist and was always willing to listen and tell stories to everyone he met. He worked hard in his life and always counseled his children that 'work never killed anyone.'
John dearly loved his family and even in his last days, his face would light up when those great grand children would come running in and give him a big hug, or the last picture that they had colored for him. The children could always expect his 'hot diggity dog' response, a big smile and an invitation to have a cookie or a piece of candy. John's legacy will long be cherished by his family and friends and he will be keenly missed.
John is survived by his four children, Larry and his dearest friend Beth Finch of Sioux Center, Janet and her husband Jeffrey Harcum of Hinton, Virginia and her husband Stan Oordt of Sioux Center, and Mike and his wife Judy (Boersma) of Sioux Center. John's grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Faye (Michael) De Smit and children Allie, Jasmine, and Christopher; Chad (Melissa) Van Roekel and children Ginger and Cyla; Meryl (Jon) Anderson and children Alexis and Breckin; Andrew (Rachel) Harcum and Lorelai; Eric (Rachelle) Oordt and children Jenna and Emily; Brian Oordt and special friend Kristin Franken, Teresa (Kyle) Blankers; Shawna (Nathan) Vander Plaats; and Joshua Van Roekel and children Aspen and Tristan. John is also survived by his sister and close friend, Jean Mieras of Sheldon, just 3 years his senior, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his wife Martha, by his great granddaughter Serenity Van Roekel, and by two brothers and four sisters.
Memorial Funeral Home, Sioux Center, Ia., obit.