Riemersma, Henry, Coopersville Observer, April 23, 1926

Henry Riemersma, aged twenty-four, was almost instantly killed here about three o’clock last Saturday afternoon, when he fell from a tree, that he was trimming, between the residences of Thomas Hinsley and Frank Mooney, on Eastmanville Street.

Riemersma, a member of the recently organized firm of Riemersma Bros. and Co. had about completed the trimming of the large tree, and was about to descend. One of the other workmen tied a bowline knot for him to place his foot in to aid in his descent, but he spurned the offer, preferring to come down the rope hand over hand.

He got to within twelve feet from the ground when the knot at the end of the rope pulled through the pulley, causing him to fall. He landed on his feet, and it is believed the impact broke his neck, as he died before a physician could arrive on the scene of the accident.

Coroner Gilbert Vande Water of Holland was summoned, but he decided no inquest was necessary. He rendered a verdict of accidental death.

Henry Riemersma, is the second member of the family to be taken by accidental death in the last two years, his brother, William, having been killed a year ago last December, as the result of his truck being demolished by an interurban at Marne. Another brother, Richard, had the misfortune to lose his farm by fire this spring.

Mr. Riemersma is survived by his widow; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Riemersma; four brothers, Richard, John, and Ed of Marne and Dave, of Coopersville; five sisters, Mrs. Bouwkamp of Lamont, Mrs. Harry Rodenhouse, Mrs. Sidney Posthumus, Mrs. Tom Koning of Grand Rapids, and Miss Mary Riemersma of Coopersville.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, at one o’clock at the home of his parents, here, and at 2:15, at the Lamont Christian Reformed Church. All stores and business places in this village were closed for one hour, Wednesday, in order that proper respect might be paid a much honored and respected citizen and highly esteemed business man.

Obituary from Coopersville Observer Obituaries by Henry and Loekie Boersma