On Monday night John D. Helder passed away at his home south of Lynden after a sickness of two weeks from creeping paralysis. Since last spring his health has not been the best but it was not until two weeks ago that he was compelled to take to his bed. The funeral was held for the Christian Reformed Church yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock. In the absence of a regular pastor at the church, Rev. Mr. Rinehart officiated at the funeral. The remains were placed at rest in the Holland cemetery.
John D. Helder was born in the province of Groningen, Holland on Feb. 24, 1846. He grew to manhood in his native country and there married in 1872. Seven years later he moved to this country with his family and located at Holland, Mich. There he remained until 1896 when he moved to Whidbey Island. Eight years ago he moved here with his family and since then has devoted himself to the upbuilding of this part of the country.
Six years ago at the time of the founding of the Christian Reformed Church here he was one of the organizers. Since then he has been one of the leading members of the church. He was the leader of the singing in the church and for the past four years has been one of the elders. He leaves besides a host of friends, his wife, three daughters and eight sons to mourn his loss. Of the children all but two of the boys are now here, Miss Gertrude Helder coming from California, Miss Rena from Seattle and R. R. Helder from Bellingham when notified of their father's serious condition.
