19578 - Beintema, John

Event Date : Wednesday, July 30, 1958
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Musselman\'s Lake
Community : Other - Bradford
Street :
Lot :
Concession : 0
Description : The Holland Marsh Christian School annual picnic was marred by a drowning tragedy, on Wednesday, July 30, when 13-year-old John Beintema lost his life in the waters at Cedar Beach, Musselman's Lake.John, one of the eight children of Mr. and Mrs. John Beintema Sr., a well known and highly respected family on the marsh, had gone with his parents and brothers and sisters to the picnic. Picnic plans included a program of games, and just when the boy went to the water was apparently not noticed. When his father missed him a search began and his clothing was found on the beach. No one saw the tragedy. He was not a swimmer and it is thought that he waded into the water and stepped or fell beyond his depth.The body was recovered about six hours after he was missed by Vandorf skindiver Ed. Parr and O.P.P. officers, in about ten feet of water. John is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Beintema of the Holland Marsh, and seven brothers and sisters, Betty, Peter, Grace, Florence, Clarence, Henry and Shirley.The body rested at the Lathangue-Kilkenny Funeral Home, Bradford, and the funeral was from the Holland Marsh Christian Reformed Church, where the services were taken by his minister, Rev. P. Lagerwey.Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford.