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Elmer Den Herder

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Birth	:	14 Aug 1908 Sioux Center, Sioux County, Iowa, USA
Death	:	2 Jun 1978 Sioux Center, Sioux County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Memory Gardens Sioux Center Cemetery, Sioux Center, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate	:	43.0680000, -96.1720000
Description	:	Elmer's world began on a farm, and he never left it by Wayne Domlnowski Elmer Den Herder, 69, was born August 14, 1908, in Sioux Center. Those of use who call him to mind today, think of a gentleman with silver hair, a broad but stately face, and flush, rosey cheeks. His stature is straight, even with increasing years, and much of that—people tell you comes by way of his hardy farm upbringing and Dutch heritage. The son of Gerrit E. and Hattie Den Herder, Elmer was reared on a farm just south of Sioux Center. That farm stands today, a Century... Read More	Elmer's world began on a farm, and he never left it by Wayne Domlnowski Elmer Den Herder, 69, was born August 14, 1908, in Sioux Center. Those of use who call him to mind today, think of a gentleman with silver hair, a broad but stately face, and flush, rosey cheeks. His stature is straight, even with increasing years, and much of that—people tell you comes by way of his hardy farm upbringing and Dutch heritage. The son of Gerrit E. and Hattie Den Herder, Elmer was reared on a farm just south of Sioux Center. That farm stands today, a Century Farm, hand built by Gerrit from concrete blocks. (These were poured and laid eight at a time, and the sturdiness is much in evidence today as it was over 70 years ago.) There are four sons and two daughters born to the Elmer and Christine Den Herder couple. Jim, Roger, Paul, Phil, Mary, and Carol, each reared in the northwest Iowa community. "I have always tried to teach my children the values I hold close," he once told NEWS reporter Wayne Dominowski. "Material things, what money buys, isn't the thing," Elmer said. "That sort of life leads no where." Instead, he pointed out, " I hope they (his children) learned something about God love, and togetherness." The family history of the Elmer Den Herders is marked with accomplishments, and many of these, friends and associates will tell you, have flowered because the gentleman from Sioux Center is resolute, sincere, friendly and a hard worker, crossed the Representative's desk. Legislators, both Republican and Democrat, have sought Elmer's advice. And when there was an impasse on the floor, when a vote was at hand without resolution, it was Elmer's guiding hand that had brought agreement. Life has not always easily compromised for Elmer and Christine. He had been not only a legislator and down-home farmer, but a father as well. He grieved when Jim, age 22, died tragically in a tractor accident in 1954. Then again, in June, 1975, Roger, age 41, died. The Den Herder family grieved, the NEWS was told in the recounting of those personal tragedies. Yet, in the midst of those moments, Elmer and Christine There was little difference in the person as elected official, father, husband, farmer and citizen. Elmer, is the second eldest of seven children and was reared with sisters Lyda (Mrs. Al DeVries), and Janice (Mrs. Jim Sandbulte of Luverne), and brothers John H, Gordon, Alvin and Kenneth. He attended both elementary and high school in Sioux Center, Hope college for two years, and graduated from Northwestern Academy in Orange City. He met and subsequently married Christine,( the former Christine Vreeman) in 1931, and continued farming the land he grew to love and cherish. In the Iowa House, where Elmer was first elected in 1956, Des Moines Register reporter Jerry Szumski, said of the 22 year veteran legislator: "He is one of the most honest people I've met." Elmer has taken Szumski into his confidence through the years, and the Register reporter said of the association: "He didn't hedge; he told me exactly what was happening and where he stood on issues." Christine attended sessions of the Iowa House with her husband. She aided him with the mounds of paper work that picked up the pieces of their lives. Both have said that in their moments of grief, there has come strength. "I think my father was concerned about the spiritual meaning of life," said son Paul. "It didn't matter what a person had materially. Rather he was more interested in the person, the individual." T he state legislator has liked visiting with his constituents. 'He likes to talk,' his friends say with a smile. The truth is, there seems to be little difference in the person as elected official, father, husband, farmer, and citizen; Elmer's activities, his trademark, aren't alterable from one role to another. "1 worked with Dad as a page in the House," daughter Carol said, "and it was through those experiences I learned what he felt and saw his concern for everyone. He certainly taught me the meaning of the word work. "He's been extremely strong through all listening to my thoughts. I guess some parents might have kept their children from trying new directions; Dad didn't. In the community of Sioux Center, Elmer has remained active. He was the first elected president of the Sioux Center Hospital Association in 1946. "He worked unendingly in the hospital's endeavor; he volunteered that help, and our hospital's existence today is mainly due to Elmer's initiative then," said city manager Darrel Rensink. He's served as both an elder and deacon at the First Reformed Church, as well as worked in a myriad of capacities in the church. "I've had a number of opportunities to work with Elmer on key municipal issues," Rensink said. "He's very open, always wanted to hear all sides...he wants his decision to represent the best interests of all people concerned." People of this area have, in Elmer Den Herder, a man who has held their interests foremost and represented their needs and concerns whenever and wherever he could. Through relationships with his family, constituents, personal friends, and public, he gives to these people a part of his character and philosophy, which will continue to grow. Elmer Den Herder passed away Friday afternoon in Sioux Center at the age of 69 years. On June 16, 1931, in Sioux Center he was united in marriage to Christine Vreeman who now survives. To this union six children were born; Paul of Sioux Center; Phil of Sioux Center; Mary, Mrs. Warren Vande Berg of Marquette, MI.; Carol of Sioux Center. Two sons preceded him in death...James on Dec. 13, 1954 and Roger on June 10, 1975. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and the following brothers and sisters; Alyda, Mrs. Albert De Vries; John H.; Gordon; Alvin; Kenneth; all of Sioux Center, and Janice, Mrs. James Sandbulte of Luverne, MN. One sister, Jeanne preceded him in infancy. Mr. Den Herder served in the Iowa House of Representatives for 22 years and was an outstanding leader in many chirch and community affairs. His passing is mourned by many friends and relatives. Sioux Center News 1978-05-31.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Elmer Den Herder's memorial?
Elmer Den Herder's memorial is located at: Memory Gardens Sioux Center Cemetery, Sioux Center, Sioux County, USA.
When did Elmer Den Herder death?
Elmer Den Herder death on 2 Jun 1978 in Sioux Center, Sioux County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Elmer Den Herder's memorial?
Latitude: 43.0680000
Longitude: -96.1720000

Family Members:

Parent

Gerrit Eibert Den Herder

(1878 - 1969)

Hattie “Janna Hendrika” Te Grotenhuis Den Herder

(1885 - 1952)

Spouse

Christine Vreeman Den Herder

(1908 - 1995)

Siblings

Alyda Den Herder De Vries

(1906 - 2001)

John H. Den Herder

(1911 - 2003)

Gordon Den Herder

(1913 - 1998)

Alvin E. Den Herder

(1919 - 2007)

Jeanne Henrietta Den Herder

(1923 - 1928)

Kenneth “Ken” Den Herder

(1925 - 2001)

Children

James LeRoy Den Herder

(1932 - 1954)

Roger Allen Den Herder

(1933 - 1975)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Memory Gardens Sioux Center Cemetery
Sioux Center, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0680000, -96.1720000

2. Carmel Reformed Church Cemetery
Carmel, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1280000, -96.2295000

3. Middleburg Cemetery
Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1102982, -96.0772018

4. Peace Lutheran Cemetery
Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0989494, -96.2924118

5. West Lawn Cemetery
Orange City, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0110970, -96.0653000

6. Sherman Township Cemetery
Maurice, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9667015, -96.1444016

7. Saint Marys Cemetery
Maurice, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9594002, -96.1769028

8. Saint John Lutheran Cemetery
Ireton, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9585991, -96.2550201

9. Hope Cemetery
Hull, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1939011, -96.1483002

10. Saint Joseph Cemetery
Hull, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1916080, -96.1273510

11. Highland Cemetery
Highland Park, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0546989, -96.3510971

12. Lincoln Township Cemetery
Lincoln Township, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2000008, -96.1669006

13. Nassau Township Cemetery
Alton, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9832993, -96.0318985

14. Saint Marys Cemetery
Alton, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9902992, -96.0160980

15. Lebanon Christian Church Cemetery
Sioux Center, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0996700, -96.3578300

16. Newkirk Cemetery
Newkirk, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0661011, -95.9781036

17. Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Ireton, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9681015, -96.3143997

18. Saint Mary's Cemetery
Rock Valley, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1864014, -96.2878036

19. Valley View Cemetery
Rock Valley, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1866989, -96.2953033

20. Saint Paul Lutheran Cemetery
Hull, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2282000, -96.0985000

21. Saint Joseph Cemetery
Struble, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8953018, -96.2005997

22. Sheridan Township Cemetery
Boyden, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2047005, -96.0208969

23. Hospers Cemetery
Hospers, Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0732994, -95.9197006

24. Union Hill German Baptist Cemetery
Sioux County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9169006, -96.3324966