Holland City News, Friday, July 1, 1904

The death of Roelof Oostema, one of the well known pioneer residents of this city, occurred last Sunday night at one o’clock, after several months of illness, at the age of 69 years.

Mr. Oostema’s birthplace was Groningen, the Netherlands. When he attained the age of 18 years, he came to this country with his parents, locating first in Grand Haven, then at Graafschap, from where the deceased came to this city. In 1865, Mr. Oostema served in Co. I, 25^th Infantry, and was later transferred to Co. K, 28^th Michigan, in which he served with honor until the close of the war. He followed the carpenter trade upon his return here in 1895, and in 1896 he ran a grocery store.

Besides his wife, Mr. Oostema is survived by the following children: Mrs. Gerrit Raterink, Kent City; Miss Lena Oostema, Texas; James of Gold Creek, Colo; Jennie and John, living at home; P. F. Oostema of this city. A brother, Klaas Oostema, of Laketown, and a sister, Mrs. Anna Van Dyke, of Grand Haven, are the other surviving relatives.

The funeral was held under the auspices of the G. A. R. Post, on Thursday afternoon, at 1:30 o’clock from the house, and at 2 o’clock from the Ninth Street Church, Rev. A. Keizer and D. R. Drukker officiating.

(Mr. Oostema is buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.)