Kolyn, Andrew J. 1885-1942

KOLYN, HOSPERS, DENHERDER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

Source: Sioux County Capital (4-30-1942)

Born: December 13, 1885
Died: April 23, 1942

With the death of Attorney Andrew J. Kolyn early Thursday morning, Orange Citizens felt the loss of of one of their most talented citizens.

Mr. Kolyn had served his community in so many ways, modestly and cheerfully, that many of the things he did were not given their right importance until we now find they cannot be done.

With another Tulip Day close at hand, committee workers are finding the lack of Mr. Kolyn’s advice and help quite a hardship. Whenever an important event was scheduled “Jud” could be upon for a solution to many of the problems which the activity entailed.

He held many offices, being a trustee of the Western Theological Seminary at Holland, Michigan, District Governor of the Lions Club, Superintendent of the American Reformed Church Sunday School, and an elder of the church. He also served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and was keenly interested in the Tulip Festival.

Mr. Kolyn was one of the organizers of the Orange City Chamber of Commerce and gave freely of his time and talents to bring to life the events the organization sponsored.

He was one of the men who promoted Tulip Time and he wrote, cast and directed the plays which formerly were high spots in community life. The "White Elephant," "In Dutch" and a score of other musicals with their lilting songs will long be remembered here.

His colleagues remember him as a brilliant attorney and a scholar. We, as ordinary citizen, remember him for his hobbies his music, his hospitality, roady wit and his capacity as a friend and citizen.

Andrew J. Kolyn, 56, died at his home in Orange City, April 23 after an illness of high blood pressure and heart trouble since 1940. After his first illness he recovered sufficiently to be down town but he had been confined to his home many months preceding his death.

He was born in Marion, New York, the son of Reverend Matthew and Mary (Den Herder) Kolyn, December 13, 1885. He came here with his parents. His father was a minister of the First Reformed Church and also head of the Northwestern Classical Academy.

Andrew J. Kolyn graduated from the Academy at the head of his class in 1901. He then went to Hope College, Holland. Michigan, and after graduating in 1906 returned here to teach in the Academy two years. Again he went to Michigan, this time to study for his law degree at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He then went to Grand Haven, Michigan and was in partnership with Judge Farr there for one year. He came back here then and in 1914 became a partner of P.D. Van Oosterhout in the law firm Van Oosterhout and Kolyn.

On June 26, 1913, he was married to Mae H. Hospers, the daughter of William Hospers. They became the parents of 2 children, Paul Dean, a student at Harvard University and Miss Mary Helen of Cincinnati, Ohio. Both were here for the services.

Surviving besides Mrs. Kolyn and the children; one brother, Marion of Haddonfield, New Jersey and one sister, Anna, Mrs. T. Elferdink of Grand Rapids, Michigan. His father died in 1918 and his mother one year ago.

Funeral services were held in the American Reformed Church with Reverend Mr. LeRoy Nattress officiating. Burial was in the local cemetery. Member of the Bar, Lions Club, and teachers of the Sunday School attended the services in a body.

Attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Ed Cook and Miss Cornelia Hospers of Pella and Mrs. S Van Vliet of Indianola, Iowa.