Mr. D. J. Van Ryswyk. the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Dirk Van Ryswyk, was born in the Netherlands on Nov. 11, 1861, and departed this life at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. P. Rus of Pella, Iowa, on Feb. 26, 1962, having reached the age of 90 years, 3 months, and 16 days. At the age of 3 years he came with his parents to America, settling in the vicinity of Pella. On March 3, 1880, he was united in marriage to Dena Bierma, who preceded him in death on June 9, 1937. God blessed this union with 14 children, 4 of whom also preceded Mr. Van Ryswyk in death. Three of these 4 died in infancy, and a daughter Algie died Jan. 7,1931.

All his life Mr. Van Ryswyk was affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church—first in Pella and later here in Prairie City—except for 6 years from 1896 to1900 when, living in Union Co.,Iowa, he and his family were members of the United Presbyterian Church of Shanon City.

It was on their return from Union County that Mr. Van Ryswyk and his wife were active in the organization of the Christian Reformed Church here in Prairie City,which took place in September, 1904, with their names listed as charter members. Mr. Van Ryswyk served as the first deacon and has devoted much of his time, during his active life to the work of this church, which he loved dearly.

He passes this life as one of the revered fathers of the congregation he so faithfully served. Mr. Van Ryswyk's last testimony of faith in Christ as his Saviour will ever remain the greatest source of comfort for the bereaved family. Though during the last years of his life his eyesight failed, his loved ones have no doubt that his vision is now clear to the glories of heaven. He leaves to mourn his parting 10 children, of Whom six are sons
and four are daughters. The surviving children are Dick Van Ryswyk, Hessel Van Ryswyk, Arie Van Ryswyk and Peter Van Ryswyk of Monroe, Mrs. Jennie Rus and Mrs. Barbara Boertje of Pella, Mrs. Evaline Branderhorst of Newton, and John Van Ryswyk of Des Moines. Also surviving are 88 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren, one brother, Tice of Knoxville, and two sisters, Mrs. A. A. Steenhoek of Prairie City and Mrs. John Vanden Heuvel of Hanford, Calif.