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Worthington Advance
Friday, February 2, 1905

JOHN VAN VALKENBERG DEAD

Last Wednesday evening John Van Valkenberg died at his home in this city of neuralgia of the heart.

Death came to him very sudden as he had been sick only a day or two and was not confined to his bed.

Mr. VanValkenberg has lived in this city for a number of years and was conducting a restaurant here until the time of his death.

Funeral services were held at the residence at 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon conducted by Rev. Calhoun. The remains were taken to Sioux City .

He will be greatly missed by his many friends in this city and community, as he had many which surrounded him in this community, and always had a kind word for everyone whom he

from the Los Angeles Times
23 May 2009
Contributed by Eleanor Borkenhagen

ELEANOR C. VAN WAGONER

Eleanor died peacefully May 13, at the age of 96 at the Sierra Valley Rehabilitation Center, Porterville, California. She is survived by her sons Steve and Bill, 6 grandchildren, and 8 grandchildren.
Eleanor was born June 18, 1912 in Mahto, South Dakota and grew up in Worthington, Minnesota. The 11th of 12 children, she is the last to pass away. In 1944 she attended the College of Commerce in Minneapolis, Minnesota receiving a diploma as a medical lab technician at which she worked during World War II.
She met her husband, Parley, while visiting relatives in Glendale, California. They were married in 1948. Parley died in 1954 leaving Eleanor to raise their two young sons on her own. She was a loving selfless mother who provided good guidance along with a great amount of independence.
Having grown up during the Great Depression, Eleanor was a waste-not-want-not individual who nevertheless was greatly generous despite her modest means.
Eleanor was healthy and active until a few months before her death. She drove her car until the age of 95 and remained involved in the lives of her sons and grandchildren and in her church and community. A friend to many, Eleanor will be greatly missed.
It was her request that "not much fuss" be made of her passing. In keeping with her wishes, a celebration of her life will be held Saturday, June 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Springville Community Church, 35725 Highway 190, Springville, California. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.