Anna Van Holland, the daughter of Gerrit and Gertie (Van Maanen) Van Holland, was born at Sioux Center, Iowa on June 1, 1896. She attended school and spent her youth in the Rock Valley community
On March 1, 1916 she was united in marriage to Jon [sic] Meernik at Rock Valley, Iowa. Mr Meernik passed away on August 28, 1927. Anna married Albert Veenstra in November of 1928 and Mr. Veenstra passed away in February of 1934.
During her married life she resided in Rock Valley and Sanborn. She entered Prairie View Home on December 15, 1982 and resided there until her death on September 5, 1984 having reached the age of 88 years, three months and four days.
She is survived by her children: Mrs. Jim (Gertrude) Zonnefeld of Sanborn; Gilbert Meernik of Sanborn; Mrs. Charles (Mina) Andringa of Sanborn, and Mrs John (Janet) Rens of Sheldon; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Anna was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Jon and Albert, three brothers and two sisters.
She was a member of the Christian Reformed Church and the Loyal Workers. Funeral services were held st the Christian Reformed Church at Sanborn on September 7 with Rev. Stuart Pastine officiating. Casket bearers were John Meernik, Loren Zonnefeld, Bruce Rens, Alan Andringa, Gayle Zonnefeld and Jon Rens. The congregation sang the hymns, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "By the Sea of Crystal." Organist was Mildred Kroese. Interment was in Roseland Cemetery, Sanborn, with the Sanborn Funeral Home in charge.
Sanborn (Iowa) Pioneer, Sep 20, 1984, p15
DEATH OF JOHN MEERNINK SUNDAY
John Meernink died at his home in Rock Valley at six o'clock Sunday evening, after seven years of illness and suffering, which he bore patiently to the end. Before he met with the accident which later proved fatal, Mr. Meernink lived on a farm northwest of Rock Valley. He was injured in an accident while working in the hay field when he fell from a hay stacker and injured his back. Although everything possible was done to relieve him he became partially paralyzed and so remained, and failed gradually until death came to relieve him.
The subject of this sketch was born in Holland, June 18, 1891, where he grew to manhood. At the age of about nineteen years, he came to this country and lived in Rock Valley and vicinity since that time. He was united in marriage to Miss Annie Van Holland, who with two children, Gilbert and Gertie, survive him. His mother and brothers live in Holland. His father preceded him in death.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, at one thirty at the home and at two o'clock in the Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley, and the remains were taken to Valley View Cemetery for burial. The bereaved wife and children have the sympathy of many friends in their loss of a husband and father.
* * * * * * * * * *
An article in the Rock Valley Bee, June 18, 1920, tells of the accident that eventually proved fatal:
MAN HAS BACK BROKEN REPAIRING HAY STACKER
John Meernink met with a terrible accident Friday afternoon [June 11] while repairing a hay stacker on the farm where he lives eight miles west of Rock Valley. He had climbed to the top of the stacker to adjust some part of it, when a piece of the stacker fell striking him on the back and holding him fast. Another man was working with him, but could not get him loose, until a neighbor who was working in another field heard the cries for help and came to their assistance.
Mr. Meernink was suffering intensely. He was brought to Rock Valley where it was found that his back was broken. He had no control or feeling in the lower part of his body from the hips down. An operation was performed and it was found that at least three of the vertebrae were fractured and torn out of place. At this time the injured man seems to be improving. Feeling is returning to his lower limbs, and there seems to be hopes for his recovery.
* * * * * * * * * *
RESEARCH NOTES
He was discharged from the hospital after about six weeks. In 1921 he was taken to Iowa City for consultation (Rock Valley Bee, Sept. 22, 1921). In 1922 he finally sold out at his farm and moved into town (De Volksvriend, Feb. 9, 1922). In 1923 he was advertising for shoe repairing work, three blocks west of the Rock Valley Co. Lumber Yard, presumably his home (Rock Valley Bee, June 15, 22, 29, 1923). His name is sometimes spelled Meernink and sometimes Meernik.
A brief note about his death in the Alton Democrat (September 2, Rock Valley news) spells his name Meerdink.
The Sioux County Cemetery Index has him as John Meerink [apparently a typographical error]. All of the other entries for a similar surname have the spelling Meerdink.
His entry on FindaGrave.com includes a photograph of his headstone: "John Meernik 1891 - 1927." It also names his wife, Anna VanHolland Veenstra (1896-1984) and children, Gertrude Meernik Zonnefeld (1917-1997) and Gilbert Meernik (1920-1991).
The obituary for his wife, "Veenstra, Mrs. Albert (Anna)," posted separately, also spells his surname Meernik.
His death certificate (on which the handwriting is not always very legible) has him as John Meernick; born June 18, 1891 in Holland; parents Gusbert or Geesbert Mernick[sic] and Jacba [Jacoba?] Reerson[?]; died at 6:00 p.m. August 28, 1927; cause, "Simple meningitis caused by necrosis of lower dorsal vertebra, duration 1-1/2 months; contributory cause, broken back, duration 7 years 2 months, 18 days. The name of the informant is given as Mrs. John Meernik (his wife, although she is not named as such); the handwriting appears different from elsewhere on the certificate, and may be her actual signature.
The Iowa Select Marriages Index on Ancestry.com has him as Jan Meernik, born in Voorthinzen, Prov. of Gelderland, Netherlands; father Gysbert Meernik; mother Jacoba Reyersen; married Annie Van Holland in Sioux County, 1 March 1916.
She was united in marriage to James Zonnefeld on August 20. 1939, at the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church. Following their marriage they farmed in the Sanborn vicinity until moving Into town in 1972. Jim did on April 2, 1992. Gert continued to make her home in Sanborn and entered Prairie View Home on October 18, 1996. She died there on April 19, 1997. at the age of 79 years, six months.
Gert is survived by her children: Marlyn J. and Lillian of Tucson, Ariz., Gayle J. and Sharon of Denver. Colo., Lou Ann and Gary Boer of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Loren J. and Sue of Sanborn; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two sisters: Mrs. Charles (Mina) Andringa of Sanborn, and Mrs. John (Janet) Rens of Sheldon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, Myron John, and one brother, Gilbert.
Gertrude was a member of the Cornerstone Orthodox Reformed Church, the Ladles Aid and she had been active in the Christian School Auxiliary. Quilting was a special interest that Gert enjoyed.
Funeral services were held April 22 at the First Reformed Church with Rev. Harry Zekveld officiating. Casket bearers were Jerry Buteyn, Jack Elgersma. Alan Andringa, Doug Zonnefeld, Pierson Elgersma and Garry Zonnefeld. Burial was in Roseland Cemetery, Sanborn, with the Sanborn Funeral Home in charge.
Sanborn Pioneer 24 April 1997
He was united in marriage to Gertrude Meernik at the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church on August 20, 1939. Following their marriage they farmed in the Sanborn vicinity until moving into town in 1972. Jim also was employed at Don's Co-op in Sanborn for 10 years. He died at Sioux Valley Hospital at Sioux Falls, S.D. on April 2,1992 at the age of 78 years, five months and 18 days.
He is survived by his wife, Gertrude of Sanborn; his children: Marlyn J. and Lillian of Wichita, Kans., Gayle J. and Sharon of Aurora, Colo., Lou Ann and Gary Boer of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Loren J. and Sue of Sheldon; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Dick Zonnefeld of Artesia, Calif., and one sister, Sadie Buteyn of Sanborn.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, one infant son, Myron John; four brothers and five sisters.
He was a member of the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church where he had served as an elder and deacon, a former school board member, and was a member of the Senior Men's Society and the Men's Service Club. Jim will be remembered by his family and friends for his hobby of woodworking and the enjoyment he received from listening to music. Personal qualities special to Jim were his sense of humor and his ability to be a friend to everyone.
Funeral services were held April 4 at the Christian Reformed Church at Sanborn with Rev. Stuart C. Pastine officiating. Casket bearers were Jerry Buteyn, Jack Elgersma, Doug Zonnefeld, Alan Andringa, Bruce Rens and Garry Zonnefeld. Irwin Woudstra sang "His Eye is on the Sparrow." Congregational hymns were "The Tender Love a Father Has" and "Blessed Assurance." Milly Kroese was organist. Burial was in Roseland Cemetery, Sanborn, with the Sanborn Funeral Home in charge.
Sanborn Pioneer 9 April 1992
Bertha Alice (Hofman) Meernik. the daughter of Ben and Cornelia (Bonnes) Hofman was born on December 6 1919 in Sanborn, IA. She spent her childhood years in Sanborn and attended the Sanborn Christian School.
On January 28, 1944, Bertha was united in marriage to Gilbert Meernik at Sanborn. The couple farmed for a short time and then lived the rest ol their lives in Sanborn, except for two years in Parkersburg. IA. They were blessed with three children Barbara Sandi and John. She worked for a few vears in the cafe at Bowl Mor Lanes in Sanborn but the majority of her time was spent taking care of her family. She dearly loved her children grandchildren and great grandchildren. Hobbies included gardening sewing and quilting. She often won ribbons for her varied handiworks at the O'Brien County Fair.
For fun she enjoyed playing Rumicube and Dominoes. Friends were important to her and she especially loved having morning coffee at Pronto with a group of her lady friends. She was a member of the Sanborn CRC and Cornerstone United Reformed Church of Sanborn. She died at Sanford Sheldon Hospital on April 15. 2008 at the age of 88 years four months nine days.
Survivors include her children Barbara (John) Schulte of Sibley, Sandi (Buryl) Mellema of Aurora CO., and John (Diana) Meernik of Gilbert AZ; seven grandchildren and 13 (soon to be 14) great grandchildren; one brother Dirk (Polly) Hofman of Sanborn; one sister Dorothy Bosma of Sheldon; two sisters in-law Lucille Holman of Sanborn and Janet (Jon) Rens of Sheldon; one brother in-law, Charles Andringa of Sanborn, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death bv her parents, her husband Gilbert, four sisters and their husbands: Agnes (Bert) Solsma, Engelina (Bill) Damstra' Cornelia (Dick) Solsma; and Gertrude (John) Hengeveld; one brother, John Hofman; brother-in-law Marvin Bosma; sister-in-law and brother in law Jim and Gert Zonnefeld; and sister in law Mina Andringa.
Memorial services were held April 19 at Cornerstone United Reformed Church in Sanborn with Rev G. I. Williamson officiating. Casketbearers were Todd Mellema Landon Meernik, Matthew Noyes Brian Hunter, Jeremy Nesvold and Gary Kreykes Nikki Hunter, granddaughter sang "Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Congregational hymns were Amazing Grace "Rock of Ages", "Jesus Loves Me" and "Blessed Assurance." Burial was in Roseland Cemetery. Sanborn, with Sanborn Funeral Home In charge.
Sanborn (Iowa) Pioneer, Apr 24, 2008, p9
Mina (Veenstra) Andringa, the daughter of Albert and Anna (Van Holland) Veenstra, was born on March 19, 1930 in Sanborn, IA. She spent her childhood years in Sanborn. She attended Sanborn Christian School, and later graduated from Sanborn High School.
On February 14, 1950, Mina married Charles Andringa at Sanborn, IA. For the first 12 years of their marriage, the couple farmed southeast of Sanborn, and later moved into town. Mina worked at Sanborn Foods for 30 years. She moved to Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn in March 2004. She passed away there on December 26, 2007 at the age of 77. Before her health began to fail, Mina enjoyed golfing and flower gardening. She was a member of Cornerstone URC in Sanborn.
She is survived by her husband Charles of Sanborn; one daughter Sheila Cross of Chariton, IA, and one daughter-in-law Gail Andringa of Sheldon, IA; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; one sister Janet Rens, and in-laws: Bertha Meernik, Chuck and Jeanette Boone, Ida Andringa and Reka Andringa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one son Alan Andringa; one great-grandson Tristan Bootsma; one sister Gert Zonnefeld and one brother Gilbert Meernik.
On February 14, 1950, he was united in marriage to Mina Veenstra. The couple farmed near Primghar, Iowa for 15 years, and then moved into Sanborn. Chuck then acquired one-half interest in C & H Supply in Sheldon, Iowa. He helped operate the ag supply store for 28 years until his retirement in 1994. Chuck and Mina later made their home at the Prairie View Inn in Sanborn. Following Mina's death in December of 2007, Chuck continued living at the Inn. He passed away there, surrounded by loved ones, on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, at the age of 84.
He was a member of the Cornerstone URC, having served as an Elder. He served on the School Board of the Sanborn Christian School, and was Secretary of the Wheatbelt Merchandising Group of Farm Stores for many years. He enjoyed all sports especially softball, golfing and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mina; one son Alan Andringa; a great-grandson, Tristan Bootsma; one sister, Jeanette Boone; three brothers, Fred, Pete and Jake Andringa.
Survivors include his daughter, Sheila (Tim) Cross of Chariton, IA, and daughter-in-law, Gail Andringa of Sheldon, IA; 5 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Ida Andringa and Reka Andringa; one brother-in-law, Chuck Boone.
John was united in marriage to Janet Veenstra on August 1, 1960 at the Christian Reformed Church in Sanborn, Iowa. The couple made their home in Sheldon, Iowa. John worked for Dahlen Truck Company, driving truck for several years and then worked for Rosenboom Machine and Tool for 15 years, retiring in 1997. After his retirement he drove school kids for Area 4. John passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at his residence, reaching the age of 76 years, 9 months and 22 days.
John was a Charter Member of the Immanuel Christian Reformed Church. He enjoyed fishing, traveling to the Black Hills, long drives, spending time with his family and friends, going out to eat, football, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
John is preceded in death by two sons; Ryan and Bruce; parents; sister Hermina Bosma; brother-in-law Bern Santema.
-Obituary from Vander Ploeg Funeral Homes