Arie A. Steenhoek, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gysbert Steenhoek was born at Pella, September 13, 1867, and died, November 4, 1952, in the Dick Steenhoek home in Newton, after a lingering illness. He had reached the age of 85 years 1 month and 21 days.

On March 16, 1892, Arie was united in marriage to Johanna Van Ryswyk, and to this union six sons and six daughters were born.

Arie received his education at the Battleridge school in the Pella area. Mr. and Mrs. Steenhoek farmed near Pella on the family farm for several years, in 1910 moved to a farm a mile east of Prairie City. In 1924 they moved into Prairie City where they lived until after the death of Johanna, May 20, 1952. He lived with the children since that time.

Arie made confession of his faith several years ago uniting with the Christian Reformed church of Pella and upon moving to Prairie City, he transferred his membership to the Christian Reformed church of this city. Mr. Steenhoek has served his church as deacon and elder for several years. He used to be very active in the welfare of his community. He served on the city council in Prairie City and served as justice of the peace for several years.

His wife, Johanna preceded him in death, May 20, 1952. One son and two daughters died in infancy. Orpha died January 31, 1919, Ruth died February 5, 1920 and Henrietta Marie, died August 18, 1947.

Surviving are his children, Guy and Peter, of Prairie City, Dick, of Newton, Jennie (Mrs. M. Schuttinga) and Henry, of Monroe, William, of Denver, Colo., twenty-one grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Also surviving are four brothers and five sisters. Mrs. Lena van Roekel, Mrs. Follina Groenenweg and Hugo, of Pella, Mrs. Nellie de Reus, Gysbert and John K. of Prairie City, Simon, of Monroe, Mrs. Jana Van Hemert, of Newcastle, Tex., Henrietta, of Knoxville