Obituary--Mrs Zwaantje Rozema

This obituary caught my eye because of her name.  So indicative of our extensive Dutch heritage here, (the local phone book for our small community has 8 columns of names beginning with Van, from Vanaartsen to Van Zyll, not to mention the other "old country" surnames), her name invokes the spirit of many of those who came to this area of Michigan.


From the 10 February 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator:

MRS ZWAANTJE ROZEMA

Zwaantje Rozema, nee Nyenhuis, was born March 24, 1837, at Benneveld, Province of Drenthe, Netherlands.  In 1847 she came to America with her parents.  They were of those pioneers to whose efforts so much of the development of this and other states is due.  They settled in Ottowa county.  she was united in marriage to Hendrick Rozema in 1858.    Ten children blessed this union, siz of whom are now living, namely: Jacob, at Ludington Mich., John H at Spirit Lake, Iowa, Martin at Seattle, Wash., Joe, Henry and Mrs Jennie VanZomeren, at Fremont.  Since the death of her husband in 1900, Mrs. Rozema made her home with her daughter, Mrs. VanZomeren.
She died on Feb 2, at the age of 78 years, 10 months and 8 days. 
Funeral services were held from the Reformed church, of which she was a member, on Saturday, Feb. 5.  Interment took place in Maple Grove cemetery.

I always hope, when I post an obituary like this, that some one searching for the connection to to the old country will find this and get the breakthrough they need.  It is great when not only the country, but the province and city are given in these old obituaries.