- Leonard C. Vander Esch, son of L.C. and Maria (Haverhals) Vander Esch, was born October 19, 1917 at Ireton, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm near Hawarden and received his education at a rural school in Eagle Township, District 3. On February 5, 1939 he married his beloved wife, Gertrude (Van Wyk) Kosters. Along with farming, he was a well-known auctioneer for over 50 years in the Siouxland area. In 1954 the couple moved to Hawarden where he owned and operated Van Chevrolet and later the Hawarden Sale Barn. Leonard also worked at the Sibley, Sheldon and Sioux Center Sale Barns. He was a member of the Lebanon Christian Reformed Church for many years prior to becoming a member of Hawarden Community Reformed Church. Leonard loved to dedicate his time auctioning and fund raising at church and charitable functions. Among the things he enjoyed were fishing, cooking and feeding people, eating at
a variety of restaurants, spending time with his children and grandchildren. Leonard was admired and loved by his family. He never met a stranger, and he was a friend to many people. Leonard died Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at the Hawarden Community Hospital at the age of 82 years.
Survivors include his wife, Gertrude; two sisters, Ann Van Driessen of Sioux Center, Iowa and Marie Dekkers and husband Joe of Hawarden; brother, Severt Vander Esch and wife Christine of Hawarden; a son, Lee Vander Esch and wife Marilyn of Port Huron, Michigan; four daughters and their spouses, Geri and Bob DeBoom of Longmont, Colorado, Mary and Ralph Van De Berg of Sioux Center, Linda and Stan Dykstra of Belgrade, Montana, Betty and Jim Dunnam of
Alcester, South Dakota; Honorary Pallbearers: Grandchildren: Sharon Vander Esch, Scott Van De Berg, April Dykstra Bosley, Heather Wielenga Haneklaus, Leah Van De Berg, Susie Dykstra, Brent Wielenga; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Henry and wife Elizabeth and Sebrecht; infant sister, Hendrena; and brother-in-law, Ernest Van Driessen.
Gedenkplek-ID: 128276819 (bron: findagrave.com)
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