Wilma Lucille Bylsma ¹ was born ² on 6 Mar 1930. She died ³ on 16 Jul 1992 in Fremont, Michigan, USA. Wilma married ^{1, 4} James Robert Hertel on 21 Nov 1952.

Hendrik Jacob Vermeer [Parents] ¹ was born ^{1, 2} on 11 Jan 1899 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands. He was christened ³ in Feb 1899 in Overijssel, The Netherlands. He died ^{2, 4} on 25 Feb 1978 in Ripon, San Joaquin County, California, USA from Heart Failure (2nd Parkinson's disease). He was buried ^{2, 5} on 1 Mar 1978 in Ripon Cemetery, Ripon, San Joaquin, California. Hendrik married ^{1, 6, 7} Agnes H. Hertel ¹ on 17 Aug 1922 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA.

Hendrik immigrated ⁸ on 16 Jul 1907 to Ellis Island, New York, New York, USA. He graduated from Primary & Grammar School (8th grade) on 13 Jan 1914 in Baldwin St. School for Christian Instruction, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. He served in the military ⁹ from 25 Nov 1918 to 1 Aug 1919. In 25 Apr 1921 He lived at 833 Innes St NE; Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. He graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School on 24 Jun 1921 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. He graduated with Associate in Arts degree from The Junior College Of Grand Rapids on 14 Jun 1923 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. He worked as Wearever pots & pans salesman on 28 Jul 1924. In 1925 He lived at Lived in home at 4606 Delores Ave for about 50 years 1925-1975.; 4606 Delores Avenue; Oakland, CA. He worked as Shipyard longshoreman.

"BIOGRAPHY OF HENRY J. VERMEER" by Robert B. Vermeer (Read at his funeral service, March 1, 1978):

"In behalf of the Vermeer family we thank each of you for coming here today as an expression of Christian sympathy and love. We are assembled here not to mourn death, but to rejoice in life - the new life which is ours in Jesus Christ, our Lord. What follows is a brief biography of our father whose translation into glory we celebrate today......

"Dad Vermeer was born on January 11, 1899 in Kampen, The Netherlands. He spent the first 8 years of his life in this city. He was the third oldest in a family that eventually brought eleven children into the world. He is only the second of the eleven children to be taken by death.

"In 1907 the Vermeer family immigrated to America and the family home was established in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dad finished his schooling in the State of Michigan which included two years in Grand Rapids Junior College [1921-1923]. At the close of the First World War, Dad enlisted in and served briefly in the U.S. Merchant Marine service.

"On August 17, 1922 Henry Vermeer and Agnes Hertel were joined in marriage. One year later they placed their belongings in a Model A Ford and moved to California. After living one year In Berkeley, they bought a house in Oakland where they lived from 1924-1973 (49 years). For 4 years they lived in Alameda before moving to Ripon in 1977.

"The marriage of our parents was blessed with two sons, brother Don and myself [Robert]. Four grandchildren have subsequently been added to the family tree.

"Our family roots do not claim nobility or fame, but they do claim a Christian influence, for which we are deeply grateful this day. We, who are descendants of Henry and Agnes Vermeer, thank God for our Christian home and for our training in the fortress of Christ's Church. Our parents served God together for over 55 years in their marriage. Fifty of those years were spent in the Alameda Christian Reformed Church, where Dad served several terms as Elder. Dad Vermeer was a Sunday School teacher for many years. He also was actively involved in the formation of the Alameda Christian School [abt 1944]; he later served as a member of the School Board.

"We thank today for our Christian parents - for a father who professed Christ as his Savior and who, in his simple way, lived that profession in his daily life. On February 25, 1978, our father left this life for his eternal reward. The Lord gave and the Lord took away - blessed be His Name!"

On 25 Apr 1921: Address was 833 Innes St NE (the home of his father in the 1920 census). 833 was also the address of his wedding to Agnes Hertel on 17 Aug 1922 (5:00pm).

On 28 Jul 1924 he wrote a letter to Letter to wife, Agnes, from an unknown place. Henry is selling Wearever pots and pans.

13 Aug 1924: Henry Vermeer wrote a letter to his wife from Sutter Creek, CA. Agnes was written c/o Field and Lee; 36th Ave and E 14th St; Oakland, CA.

12 Aug 1937: Letter to home from Bayfield, (Colorado?). Henry is still selling pots and pans.

Henry worked for many years as a longshoreman and security guard on the dock of Oakland.

Agnes H. Hertel [Parents] ¹ was born ^{2, 3} on 9 Nov 1901 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. She died ^{4, 5} on 9 Nov 2001 in Ripon, San Joaquin County, California, USA from Congestive Heart Failure due to Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertension. She was buried ^{6, 7} on 14 Nov 2001 in Ripon Cemetery, Ripon, San Joaquin, California. Agnes married ^{1, 8, 9} Hendrik Jacob Vermeer ¹ on 17 Aug 1922 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA.

In 26 Aug 1914 She lived at 935 Franklin Street; Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. She graduated from Sigsbee Street Christian School (8th grade) on 24 Jun 1915 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. In 1981 She lived at 914 W Main; Ripon, San Joaquin County, California, USA. In 9 Nov 2001 She lived at Bethany Christian Home, 930 W. Main St.; Ripon, San Joaquin County County, California, USA 95366.

Written in 1998 by the staff of Bethany Home where Agnes VERMEER lived:

"Agnes Vermeer is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, having been born there in 1901.  Her father had studied for the ministry in the Netherlands - However, after finishing he didn't feel this to be his calling and instead chose carpentry to be his life's work.  Agnes lived in a busy household as she had one sister and eight brothers.  She and her older sister were a big help to their mother. Their brothers also made the girls feel needed.  "Please iron a shirt for me" or "Will you please press my pants" were favors they were often asked to do.

"After Agnes met and married her husband, Henry (VERMEER), they moved to Berkeley.  Henry was a student and wanted to get his education at the University.  One of the first things he found himself doing was fighting a fire.  In 1923, the hilly area around the University caught fire.  The students all helped in fighting this fire to save their school.  They were successful in doing this and Henry could study at the school of his choice.

"Agnes was rather lonesome in their new surroundings where they virtually knew no one.  She missed her family.  In order to fill the long days, she decided to go to work.  She had gone to a Business College in Grand Rapids, MI and now put her Shorthand And Typing skills to use as a Secretary. She first worked in San Francisco but later found a job in Oakland where they were now living.

"When Agnes became a mother, she stayed home to raise her two boys.  Both of the boys were encouraged to get an education.  Bob became a minister in the Christian Reformed Church. He retired and later died in Lynden, Washington.  Don lives in San Luis Obispo, CA. A niece, Kay, also has a special interest In Aunt Agnes.

"When Agnes became 65, she had too much time on her hands and decided to go back to work.  She was still, proficient in her secretarial skills.  At the age of 71, she decided now was the time to retire.

"Agnes and Henry lived in Oakland for 49 years.  Then they gave up their home and moved to an apartment in Alameda. During all these many years, they faithfully attended the Alameda (Christian Reformed) Church.  During the war years, their home was always open to the servicemen stationed in the Bay area.  Agnes still has the guest book filled with their many names.  To this day, she keeps in touch with some of the friends she made.

"Moving to the Bethany Apartments in Ripon, CA was not difficult for Henry and Agnes.  Many of the servicemen they had entertained were from Ripon so moving here was like coming to a community of old friends.

"Besides having had the usual hobbies of sewing and handwork, Agnes is an avid reader.  She is a faithful patron of our church library.  Letter writing, was also a favorite thing to do.  Since she came from a large family and Henry was one of 11 children, there was always someone to write to. Her faithful typewriter helps her correspond with friends and relatives yet today.

"Agnes, you have already been blessed with a long and fruitful life.  May the God you love continue to be with you in the ears He still has in store for you."

"AGNES (HERTEL) VERMEER, Bethany Nursing Home, 930 W. Main St., Ripon, CA 95366, celebrates her 100th birthday on November 9. She was born in Grand Rapids and is the last remaining of ten siblings. Her younger son and his wife, Don and Carrie Vermeer, her deceased son's widow, Mrs. Robert (Ann) Vermeer; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren celebrate her full life." [The Banner]

Agnes Hertel had no middle name and assumed the name Agnes Hertel Vermeer after her marriage. This was mainly because most governmental agencies could not deal with people who had no middle initial or no middle name.

Initially Agnes' father, Wieberen Hertel, resented her marriage to Henry Vermeer. Agnes' mother had died only a year before and Wieberen wanted Agnes to stay at home to help with household work.

Hendrik Jacob Vermeer [Parents] ¹ was born ² on 9 Mar 1868 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands. He died ^{3, 4} on 19 Jan 1937 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA from Chronic Myocarditis (heart disease) with decompensation (2nd: Arteriosclerosis Cerebral). He was buried ^{3, 5} on 22 Jan 1937 in Restlawn Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. Hendrik married ^{1, 6, 7} Aaltje Boer ¹ on 9 May 1895 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands.

Hendrik worked ⁸ as Sigarenmaker (Cigar maker) on 9 May 1895 in Overijssel, The Netherlands. He resided ² in Boomstraat, Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands. He immigrated ⁹ on 16 Jul 1907 to New York, New York, New York, USA. He worked ¹⁰ as Packman on 7 Apr 1930 in Michigan, USA. Cause Of Death: chronic myocarditis with decompensation ().

Aktenummer 115, het geboorte adres was Morrensteeg nr 193 in wijk 2, sigarenmaker, vrijgestelde voor de Nationale Militie i.v.m. gebreken, woonde in de Boomstraat. [Certificate number 115, birth address was Morrensteeg no. 193 in district 2. Cigar maker, exempted for the national militia concerning lacks, lived in the Boomstraat.]

Left Rotterdam on 6 July 1907 and arrived in New York on the ship Ryndam. The family arrived in Michigan on 18 July 1907 according to his Naturalization papers. The Ellis Island record show that they were traveling to "friend H Beverwyk 157 Oake Ave gr Rapids Mich". Hendrik's sister Martha and husband, Albert Doorn, accompanied them.

2 August 1910: On his Declaration of Intention for Naturalization he is described as white with light complexion, 5' 5" tall, weighing 155 pounds. Residing at 54 Inlet Court, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
14 September 1912: Living at 16 Dennis Ave, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

His Petition for Naturalization was witnessed by John De Smit, Cigar Maker, 959 Altawa Ave. And Peter Boshoven, Cigar Maker, 58 Carlton Ave.

Admitted as a citizen of the Untied States on 17 February 1913. Certificate of Naturalization (No. 299350) was issued on 24 Feb 191? (1913?).

On September 1, 1920 he and his wife, Aaltje arrived from Rotterdam on the ship Noordam. They must have been visiting in Holland.

Aaltje Boer [Parents] ¹ was born ^{1, 2} on 25 Jun 1873 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands. She died ^{1, 3} on 11 Feb 1957 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA from Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease. Aaltje married ^{1, 4, 5} Hendrik Jacob Vermeer ¹ on 9 May 1895 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands.

Cause Of Death: arteriosclerotic heart disease.

Additional information about Aaltje Boer. Bruno Klappe gives her birth as 25 Jul 1873.

The Petition for Naturalization for Hendrik Vermeer lists her as Aaltje Boer. It has a D in front of Boer as if they had started De Boer and corrected it.

In a travel diary of 1966, Holland, a note at the end has the following: "Cousin Aaltje Schouten(Dreek), she is a daughter of Oom Jan Boer." Conceivably, this could be the daughter of a brother of Grandpa's Mother.

Another note: "cousin Marta Winkler (Sjollema), daughter of Tante Bet- father's sister." Tante Bet was likely Elizabeth Vermeer ("father's sister"). Elizabeth did have a daughter, Martha Sjollema. Martha was married to Gerrit Riezebos. Martha's sister Elizabeth was married to Hendrik Frederik Cornelis Antonie Winkler. I need to sort this out.

Jan Boer could be the brother who survived Aaltje Boer according to her 1957 obituary. The obituary mentions three sisters and one brother in The Netherlands.

Both Albert BOER and Nelletje DE JONG show up in the index of deaths for Kampen Overijssel in 1925. From this I am fairly certain that these are the parents of Aaltje BOER who married Hendrik VERMEER.

Albert Boer [Parents] ¹ was born ^{2, 3} on 21 Nov 1847 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands. He died ^{4, 5, 6} on 25 Sep 1925 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands. Albert married ^{1, 7, 8, 9} Nelletje Jans de Jong ¹ on 10 Nov 1870 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands.

Albert worked ^{10, 11} as pakhuisknecht/pakkamersknecht (warehouse worker) from 1870 to 1895 in Overijssel, The Netherlands. He worked ¹² as schuitenvoerder/barge operator in 1930.

Nelletje Jans de Jong [Parents] ¹ was born ^{2, 3} on 13 Dec 1845 in Schokland, Flevoland, The Netherlands. She died ^{4, 5} on 11 May 1925 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands. Nelletje married ^{1, 6, 7, 8} Albert Boer ¹ on 10 Nov 1870 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands.

Nelletje was baptized ⁴ on 1 Feb 1846 in Schokland, Flevoland, The Netherlands. She worked as dienstbode (servant).

Nelletje Jans de Jong was baptized ned. ger. on Schokland, a small island, in the Zuiderzee; what's now called the IJsselmeer. That island was only 5 km long and at the widest 300 m. In 1825 a terrible storm from the north pushed the water from the North Sea into the IJsselmeer which caused a rise of the water by 2 meter. The whole island was covered with 90 cm off water and the people had to hide on the second floor. About 50 houses collapsed, 13 died and all the livestock was killed. In 1859 the island had to be abandoned on the order off King William the third. In spite the great poverty after the storm from 1825, they would not leave the island but they had too. They did go to places on the mainland such as Kampen, Volendam, Vollenhove, and Urk. The Island is still there only they built a dike around it so now it is an island surrounded by farmland. In 1985 a society was founded too preserve the history off the island and pass it on to the next generation.

Nelletje Jans likely left Schokland in 1859. She was a servant in the household of Johannes Hermanus Buijtendijk (Vloeddijk 84 in Kampen) between 1860 and 1870 and between 1870 and 1880. In 1861 she was living with her second cousin, Reijer Klaas Gillot, at Vloeddijk 4, Kampen. She is found at the following addresses in Kampen though the years: Brunnepe 321, 222 and 392 (1870/1880), Groenestraat 379-3, Broerweg 455-20 & Bolwerk 407-3 (1880/1890), Patrimoniumsteeg 3 (1894), and Bolwerk 402 (1887).

Hendrik Jacob Vermeer [Parents] ¹ was born ^{1, 2, 3} on 28 Jan 1844 in Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands. He died ^{4, 5} on 9 Jan 1894 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands. Hendrik married ^{1, 2, 6} Elizabeth Weijers ¹ on 4 Apr 1867 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands.

Hendrik worked ⁷ as sigarenmaker from 1867 to 1894 in Overijssel, The Netherlands.

Little is known about Henry Jacob Vermeer (the first). Born in Wageningen, he left the city and province for Kampen by the time he was in his twenties. He was the only known son of Anthonie Jacobzoon. Records show that his parents and all of his sisters died in Gelderland.

His occupation on both his marriage and death record is "cigar maker". Both he and his son, Hendrik Jacob (II), seem to have been employed in this trade.

Elizabeth Weijers [Parents] ¹ was born ^{1, 2, 3} on 6 Jan 1844 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands. She died ^{2, 4} on 28 Apr 1905 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands. Elizabeth married ^{1, 5, 6} Hendrik Jacob Vermeer ¹ on 4 Apr 1867 in Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands.

In 1860/1870 She lived at Elizabeth Weijers with Mother, Elizabeth, in house of Arnoldus van Loon.; Kampen, Overijssel, The Netherlands.

Living at Heiligesteeg 75 in Kampen at the time of her death. Elizabeth and her mother, who was also named "Elizabeth Wijers", have been very difficult to track.

The 1860-1870 Bevolkingsregister for Kampen, Overijssel shows the family of Arnoldus van Loon and Elizabeth Weijers (1816-1877). In this record we see the daughter, Elizabeth Weijers, born 6 Jan 1844. This clearly shows that Our Elizabeth Weijers (1844-1907) was daughter of the Elizabeth Weijers (1816-1877) who married Arnoldus van Loon. This is the proof that I've been looking for since about 1999.

Lambert John Flokstra [Parents] was born ¹ on 18 Mar 1897 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. He was christened ² on 2 May 1897 in Roosevelt Park Dutch Christian Reformed Church. He died ³ on 28 Apr 1965 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA from Heart failure. He was buried ^{4, 5} on 30 Apr 1965 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. Lambert married ⁶ Wilhelmina Kramer on 29 Apr 1924 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA.

Lambert worked ⁷ as Teacher on 5 Jun 1918 in Muskegon, Muskegon County, Michigan, USA. He served in the military ⁸ from 27 Aug 1918 to 27 Aug 1918 in Camp Custer, Dawes County, Nebraska, USA. He worked ⁹ as supervising principal and teacher from 1923 to 1924 in Chicago Ridge, Cook County, Illinois, USA. He worked ¹⁰ as Teacher, Parochial School in 1930 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. He worked ¹¹ as Calvin College Professor until 1965 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA.

Dr. Lambert Flokstra, Professor of Education at Calvin for more than thirty years, died in the spring of 1965 after serving Christian education in various capacities for almost fifty years. He was just four weeks from a retirement anticipated with many plans. He had served Calvin College as an excellent scholar and meticulous teacher. He was an unusually perceptive thinker. Somewhat distant and formal in the classroom, he could unbend among his friends, where his sense of humor, engaging friendliness, and incisive remarks revealed a dimension not well known to his students. He spent a lifetime in self-sacrificing loyalty to the Kingdom of Christ and its causes. ["Promises To Keep" by John J. Timmerman, 1975; pp 158-159]

Lambert J. Flokstra, 1897-1965, "In Memoriam" by John A. Van Bruggen (Dr. John A. Van Bruggen, writer of these lines, is chairman of the department of education at Calvin College):

"'And he was not, for God took him.'

"In spite of failing health, Professor Lambert Flokstra continued his teaching.  It was the work he loved.  On Tuesday afternoon and evening, April 27, he prepared for his classes as usual.  He laid out the materials he needed and retired early in order to be well rested for meeting his classes the next morning.  But early that morning, April 28, God took him.

"Dr. Flokstra was born in Grand Rapids on March 18, 1897.  He attended the local Christian elementary school and continued his education at what was then known as the Calvin Preparatory School.  He graduated with a high school diploma in 1914.  After a year of additional education at Calvin College he embarked on a teaching career that was to span a period of fifty years.  He taught in Christian schools in Muskegon, in Perkins, Iowa, and in Chicago.  He served as principal of the Ebenezer Christian School in Chicago until 1927 when he accepted an appointment to teach education courses at Calvin College.  He served as chairman of the Education Department from 1948 to 1958 but asked to be released to do greater justice to other assignments.

"On April 29, 1924, he was joined in marriage to Miss Wilma Kramer, a fellow teacher in the Ebenezer Christian School.  Their happy marriage was blessed with three children: Dr. John Flokstra of Kalamazoo, Anna Mae (Mrs. Robert Ver Meer) of Denver, and Marian (Mrs. Myron Oosterman) of Grand Rapids.

"Memorial services were held at Calvin College on Thursday morning, April 29, at which Dr. John De Beer spoke with deep appreciation of the contributions of Dr. Flokstra to the lives of the students, Calvin College and the field of education in general.  Funeral services were held on Friday afternoon, April 30, at the Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church.  The pastor, Rev. William Vander Hoven, spoke words of comfort based on Hebrews 4:9.  The service at the cemetery was led by Rev. Nicholas J. Monsma.

"A mere chronology of Dr. Flokstra's life does not do him justice, however.  His life was much more than a course of events.  He was an individual, endowed with abilities and personality traits that endeared him most to those who knew him best.

"He completed his college education while serving the Ebenezer Christian School as principal and received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Chicago in 1926.  His A.M. and Ph.D. degrees, received from the University of Chicago in 1932 and 1944, were conferred largely on the basis of work he did while also teaching at Calvin College.  His ability was recognized in educational circles beyond our denomination, for he had the distinction of serving on several important state and college committees.

"Yet he was very modest and humble, and even retiring.  He did not try to project himself.  He simply could not do this; he was not that kind of person.  His calling was teaching, and to him directing the learning and the understandings of his students was much more important than directing their attention to himself.

"He was a scholar who read widely and was knowledgeable in many areas.  To him college education meant the development of scholarship, and since this includes extensive reading, thorough study, consistent thinking, and accurate presentation, he demanded this of his students.  His seriousness of purpose was regarded by some of his students as austerity or even inflexibility, but they were wrong.  He was intensely interested in them.  He seemed to remember all the students he had ever had in his classes.

"He loved the Christian Reformed Church and what it stood for.  His knowledge of Reformed doctrine and its implications for life was surprising.  He delighted in our great Reformed heritage, and he did not want to veer from it because it was thoroughly biblical.  For example, in discussing the issues that have been engaging the attention of our denomination of late, he never became personal or partial.  His great concern was that the teachings of Scripture and of our creeds be interpreted to bring greatest honor to the King of the church.

"He was a charter member of the Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church, attended services there regularly, and served the congregation faithfully.  His work as elder was deeply appreciated, especially by those whom he tried to help.

"Above all he was a devout Christian.  He loved his family and was completely devoted to his wife, his children, and grandchildren.  But he loved his Lord more.  Frequently he expressed gratitude that the Lord had so generously given him the desire of his heart that he and Mrs. Flokstra might see their children set up Christian homes and walk in the way of the Lord.

"Dr. Flokstra will be greatly missed by his loved ones, by Calvin College, and by the church.

Those who were acquainted with him could learn from him; those of us who knew him intimately have had our "lives enriched by his friendship." [The Banner, May 28, 1965, p 21]

Wilhelmina Kramer [Parents] was born ¹ on 5 Jul 1902 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA. She died ^{2, 3, 4} on 29 Dec 1987 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. She was buried ⁵ on 31 Dec 1987 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. Wilhelmina married ⁶ Lambert John Flokstra on 29 Apr 1924 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA.

Wilhelmina worked ⁷ as Teacher with Ebenezer Chr. School, 1624 W. 15th Street, Chicago from 1923 to 1924 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA.

She is "Minnie" in the 1910 Cook County, IL census. Lambert Flokstra "changed her name to Wilma" after their marriage.

In the 1923 "Yearbook of free Christian schools in America" Wilhelmina Kramer was a 'Teacher of grades 1-2 and 2-1 in the Ebenezer Chr- School (Chicago, Ill.)' she had 4 years teaching experience and worked along side of her future husband, Lambert Flokstra.

Her grandson, John Vermeer, has memories of visiting grandmother at her house at 1864 Radcliff Ave SE in Grand Rapids. The basement of this house had a wonderful "playhouse" centered around what most would call a bar. There was a large brick barbecue out back, it had been built by Lambert Flokstra. The house was just a couple of blocks from the new Calvin College campus.

In the late 1970's Wilma Flokstra moved to Raybrook Manor near the Calvin College campus.

Obituary: "FLOKSTRA — Mrs. Wilma Flokstra, aged 85, widow of Lambert J. Flokstra, passed away Tuesday morning at Raybook Manor. Surviving are her children, John and Jane Flokstra of Seven Lakes, NC, Ann and Robert Vermeer of Kanawha IA, Marian and Myron Oosterman of Grandville; 10 grandchildren 10 great grandchildren two sisters, Mrs. Alida Lubben of Chicago and Mrs. James (Ann) Boerema of Oaklawn, IL. Services including Committal will be held at Raybrook Manor, day and time to be announced later. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will be at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel Wednesday from 6 to 9pm. Those desiring may send memorial contributions to the Holland Home."

Hendrik "Henry" Kramer [Parents] was born ^{1, 2} on 12 Oct 1872 in Winschoten, Groningen, The Netherlands. He died ^{3, 4, 5} on 9 Jun 1965 in Oak Lawn, Cook County, Illinois, USA. He was buried ⁶ on 11 Jun 1965 in Evergreen Cemetery and Mausoleum, Evergreen Park, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Henry married ⁷ Anje Van Dyk on 4 Apr 1900 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA.

Henry immigrated ⁸ on 15 May 1886 to New York, New York County, USA from The Netherlands. He worked ⁹ as Caller, Freighthouse in 1900 in Illinois, USA. He worked ⁹ as Freighthouse clerk in 1920 in Illinois, USA. He worked ⁹ as railroad clerk from 1920 to 1930 in Illinois, USA. Hendrik "Henry" Kramer lived at 9811 South Kedzie Avenue Oak Lawn, Cook County, Illinois, USA in Jun 1965.

Henry Kramer was born in Winschoten a town near Groningen the capital city of the Dutch province Groningen. He attended public schools in Holland until he was about 12 years old. Financial issues forced him to quit school and work. When he was 12 and 13 he sold bread from a bread cart. He also worked for his father who was a weaver and owned a weaving shop.

In May of 1886 the family emigrated to Chicago, Illinois, USA. There Henry worked at various jobs including working as a tin smith. Eventually, he began to work for CTED RR and worked there for 42 years.

He "kept company" with Anje Van Dyke for about 7 years (according to his auto-biography) and finally married her on April 4, 1900.

Henry played the organ at the First Christian Reformed Church in Englewood in Chicago. In the early '60's had an apartment in Chicago, on Kedsie Ave. Also at 1405 W. 72nd Place, Englewood, IL.

Grandpa Kramer’s Autobiography:

"If you want to write the history of yourselves without notes of certain things that happened, then no doubt there could be many things that have been forgotten.

"Especially can that be expected of a noneagenarian.

"I was born in Holland; or rather the Netherlands in the Province of Groningen, the capital city bears the same name.

"If any one knows a little of the Netherlands you know that there are more dialects as far as I know then any little country in Europe.

"I was born in the Province of Groningen in the city of Winschoten Oct 12, 1872 which is only a few miles from Groningen the Capital city.

"Well I still have a nostalgic feeling of the place where I was born.

"At the age of five I went to Public School as we had no Christian Schools.

"It seems to me that the Public School teachers did not take much interest in the pupils at least not the same as our teachers in our schools.

"It was in the time when they could give you a spanking if they thought you deserved it. I experienced it one day. I was truly admiring the man, I was thinking if I get to be a man like to be as handsome as he was.

"And you know he came right over to me slapped me on left side of my face as hard as he could. I saw stars. But if he thought it was going to draw tears he was mistaken, I ____ my teeth and gave him a look that meant, if I was as big as you, you would pay for it with the same medicine.

"My father was a weaver and had his own shop and sometimes very busy, sometimes working evenings & often I had to run the wool on spools. I was kept busy all the time, if it was not in the shop, it was helping my mom especially if it was in time when beans had to be stripped for the winter some were put in a barrel with salt and brine others were put up in long strings and dried until rattled like bones.

"Now there were people living next door to us, this man had an accident and his left hand was badly cut and bruised, it grew together and his hand was stiff so that he was unable to do his work as a tool and die maker. The family were in bad circumstances. So he asked father if he could help him to get a bread car but he would have to have some one to be good for $200 guilder bond.

"Father did that but the man proved to be unfit for that kind of work. He would get the bread and biscuits from Groningen at the store every morning, but could not sell very much and he came back evenings with most of the bread.

"Mother and Dad did not know what to do, so they got a woman she thought she could handle the car size of length 5 ½ feet about 2 feet wide 3 feet deep, if that was filled with all kinds of bread that was quite a load so she had to give it up. Now what to do.

"Dad had a smaller car made. Painted blue golden wheels with black stripes.

"So, mother was quite a business woman. She would sell the bread and by the way I was about 12 year old so they took me from school. You see, they could not get the $200 guilders back until after two years had elapsed.

"It was heavy enough for me too, so I got a big dog, and that was a common thing, put a harness on him and put him under the car with just his head protruding and he could pull like a little horse.

"Finally they got their 200 G back and by that time I was about 13.

"Arrangement were made to go to America and soon after that they auctioned all goods off and on May 1st 1886 we left good old Holland and arrived in Chicago May 16 1886.

"Now to get a job, that was the next problem.

"If there ever was a place where I hated to be it was here in Chicago. They could tell that we were Dutch at least they would call me green horn, and I could not say a word. I could not speak a word of English.

"I worked in many places. I worked 5 years in a tinshop, but that man went bankrupt, but I found another place in that line of work where we made lamps of all kinds also lined bathtubs, 5 1/2 foot boxes lined with copper tinned on one side. I worked there 5 years then we were in a depression in Teddy Roosevelt time.

"Then I got a job at CTED RR and work there 42 years.

"I omitted to write & my dear daddy died in 1893 of a heart attack. Up to that time my parents intended to go back to Holland.

"I was my mother's only support and then mother got some boarders and so we got along.

"Mother said she still intended to go back to Holland. But I began to seek the company of young ladies and I had gone to Evening school and one term of business college; and I forgot all about Holland.

"At the age of 21 I met your mother or even before that and we kept company occasionally.

"We had to try some otherones once in a while.

"Many things happened but I guess I wrote about enough. But the story is not quite complete.

"I was going to quit but the day after I wrote those 9 pages I thought; as I said the story is not quite complete.

"I wrote about my father on page 8 that he died in the year 1893, that was the year of the first worlds fair and because of the death of my dear dad I did not go there at all.

"My father was born in 1844 Passed away in 1893 shortly after father wanted his mother to come to the USA. Well, mother did not remain a widow very long.

"It was the latter part of 1895 that Mr. Kooi asked me if I has objection if he married my mother.

"Well, I was so surprised and I told him bluntly NO!

"What could I say. I did not expect that to happen at least not so soon.

"Grandpa Kooi, as we called him, came to Chicago 1871 the year of the Chicago fire. Well I must say that he was a good step father besides that lightened the burden for me.

"As I said I always brought my pay home to my mother and I was so used to that, that I continued to bring my pay home to my wife, and she was a good bookkeeper too and she is yet.

"By this time you are about tired of my scribbling So to make a long story short, mother & I kept company for about seven (7) years and decided to get married April 4th in the year 1900.

"The Lord has blessed us with six children. One is no more, our unforgettable dear son, Frans Duree passed away Dec 18, 1849.

"From the marriages of our children, we have 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

"May the Lord bless you who read this."

Henry Kramer

"Henry Kramer, beloved husband of Anna, nee Van Dyke; dear father of Alida Lubben, Wilma Flokstra of Grand Rapids, Mich., Harry J., Henrietta Hoeksema, Ann Boerema, and the late Frans Dauree; grandfather of 16; great-grandfather of 27; brother of the late Alida Osterhardt. Resting at Beukema Funeral Home, 10456 S. Western avenue until 11 a.m. Friday. Services 2 p.m., at Calvin Christian Reform church, 101st and Central avenue. Interment Evergreen. BE 8-2144."[Chicago Tribune (IL) obituary - June 10, 1965]

Anje Van Dyk [Parents] was born ^{1, 2} on 27 Dec 1876 in Aduard, Groningen, The Netherlands. She died ¹ on 8 Oct 1969 in Oak Lawn, Illinois, USA. She was buried ³ on 11 Oct 1969 in Evergreen Cemetery. Anje married ⁴ Hendrik Kramer "Henry" on 4 Apr 1900 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA.

Anje immigrated ⁵ on 28 Apr 1892 to Ellis Island, New York, New York, USA.

1880-1890 in the Schuitemakersstraat nr 174. 1890-1900 in the Olieslagersteeg, but only for two years: she emigrated to Chicago on 11/04/1892, together with her father, Iemkje Jans Hof (her stepmother), Jan Johannes, and Elisabeth.

Anna Kramer, nee Van Dyke, beloved wife of the late Henry; dear mother of Alida Lubben, Wilma Flokstra of Grand Rapids, Mich., Harry J., Henrietta Hoekseme, Ann Boerema, and the late Frans Dauree; grandmother of 16; greatgrandmother of 31; sister of Elizabeth Borgman and one brother in The Netherlands. Resting at Beukema Funeral Home, 10456 S. Western avenue, where services will be held Saturday, 11 a.m. Interment Evergreen. BE 8-2144. [Chicago Tribune (IL) - October 10, 1969]

Jan Hilbert Flokstra [Parents] was born ^{1, 2, 3} on 7 Dec 1861 in Eemster (Dwingeloo), Drenthe, The Netherlands. He died ^{4, 5} on 24 Mar 1929 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA from Paralysis Agitans (Parkinson's disease) . He was buried ^{1, 6, 7} on 27 Mar 1929 in Oakhill Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. Jan married ^{8, 9, 10} Geertruida Martha Kamphof on 8 Apr 1892 in Dwingeloo, Drenthe, The Netherlands.

Jan emigrated ¹¹ on 25 Apr 1892 from The Netherlands. He immigrated ¹² on 10 May 1892 to Ellis Island, New York, New York, USA. He was naturalized ¹³ on 31 Mar 1900 Superior Court, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan. He worked ¹⁴ as Huckster (salesman) in 1929 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA.

Jan Flokstra lived in the province of Drenthe in a town called Dwingeloo. Jan and Geertruida emigrated to Grand-Rapids, MI in 1892. Jan and Geertruida bought a flower shop or a greenhouse in Grand Rapids.

3 Mar 1898: Filed intention for naturalization.

1917: Involved in lawsuit vs Grand Rapids Railway Company. His coal wagon was wrecked in an accident with a Grand Rapids Trolley. Damages awarded were $1300.

FLOKSTRA-John Flokstra, aged 67, passed away Sunday morning at his home, 918 Hall st., S.E. Surviving are his widow, three sons, Lambert J., Garrett and Henry William Flokstra, two daughters, Mrs. Rev. D. Jonker and Miss Grace Flokstra and seven grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1:15 at the residence and at 2 o'clock at Oakdale Park Christian Reformed church. Interment in Oak Hill cemetery. Friends are requested to please omit flowers. [Grand Rapids Press, Monday, March 25, 1929, page 21]

On Sunday morning, March 24. our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Flokstra, passed away calmly at the age of 67 years. His suffering was severe and of long duration, but his faith remained unwavering. His desire was to depart and be with Christ. Our loss is his gain. Mrs. John Flokstra, Rev. and Mrs. Dick Jonker, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Flokstra, Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Flokstra, Grace Flokstra, Henry William Flokstra, And seven grandchildren. Grand Rapids. Mich. [The Banner, April 15, 1929]

Jan Hibert and his son, Hilbert are buried in Oak Hill (Valley City) cemetery in Grand Rapids.

Geertruida Martha Kamphof [Parents] was born ¹ on 19 Sep 1866 in Dwingeloo, Drenthe, The Netherlands. She died ² on 8 Jan 1955 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. She was buried ³ in Oakhill Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, USA. Geertruida married ^{4, 5, 6} Jan Hilbert Flokstra on 8 Apr 1892 in Dwingeloo, Drenthe, The Netherlands.

Geertruida emigrated ⁷ on 25 Apr 1892 from The Netherlands. She immigrated ⁸ on 10 May 1892 to Ellis Island, New York, New York, USA.

Jan (John) Flokstra and Geertruida Kamphof were going to get married. Jan had promised her they would get married and immigrate to the US, but before they were married his father died. Jan was the last son home and his mother, Gees Flokstra, said he had to stay at home with his new wife and help run the farm. Geertruida was not about to live with Gees (I think Aunt Grace is named after her). Geertruida told Grandpa in no uncertain terms that if he wasn't going to immigrate like he had promised, then she wouldn't marry him. They didn't know what to do. Finally, they decided to go to the minister and abide by his decision. The minister told Jan that he had promised Geertruida and he should keep his promise to Geertruida -- marry her and immigrate to the US.  So, Jan and Geertruida were married in April of 1891 and immediately immigrated to MI.  Glenda said Geertruida was from the city and was a little bit higher class than Jan's family. That is one reason she wouldn't live with Gees.

6 children and 6 surviving in 1910 census.

Mrs. Gertrude M. Flokstra, 88, of 918 Hall st.; SE, mother of Dr. Lambert J. Flokstra of the Calvin college faculty, died Saturday. She was the widow of John Flokstra.

Born in The Netherlands, Mrs. Flokstra had lived here 63 years. She was a member of Oakdale Park Christian Reformed church 56 years. She was a former president of the Holland Ladies Aid society of that church.

She also is survived by two other sons, Henry W. of Grand Rapids and Rev. Garrett J. of Bridgeport, Conn.; two daughters, Mrs. Dick Jonker of Grand Rapids and Mrs. Hiram VanderKlay of Owen Sound, Ont.; 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p. m. Tuesday at the DeVries chapel with Rev. John H. Piersma officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill cemetery.