Fishing Mishap Costs Life of P. Vanderzanden
Peter Vanderzanden, 74, Roy farmer and long-time resident of Washington County, was drowned June 18 when he fell into the Wilson River while fishing. The mishap occurred about 20 miles east of Tillamook near Jordon Creek.
The body was recovered by state police at about 6 p.m., an hour and three quarters after the tragedy. A brother , Henry, was fishing about 100 yards upstream and heard cries for help, rushing to give assistance. The victim was carried by the current to deep water. From an 8 or 10 foot ledge, Henry could see his brother under the surface. Being unable to swim, Henry went after something to reach the victim with but by the time he could return, Peter had been carried from sight.
The body was found about 25 feet upstream, evidently carried there by an eddy.
Funeral services were held Saturday morning at St. Francis church, Roy, with Father J. B. Saal officiating. Burial was at Roy Cemetery. Mr. Vanderzanden was born in De Pere, Wis., October 10, 1872, and came to Oregon at the age of four. He had been a resident of Washington County since that time except for one year in southern Idaho.
Mr. and Mrs. Vanderzanden were to have celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary August 15. They were married at Verboort. His wife, who survives, is the former Gardena Meeuwsen.
Other survivors include: six sons, Wilfred and Victor of route 1, Cornelius, Martin of route 3, Hillsboro, Edward of route 2, Forest Grove, and Charles and Bernard of Clackamas; three daughters, Mrs Frances Cullen of Beaverton, Mrs. Bertha Banz of Portland, Mrs. Laurencie Jesse of route 2, Forest Grove, two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Spiering of route 2, Forest Grove, and Mrs. Bertha Spiering of North Plains; three brothers, Henry of route 1, Cornelius, and J. M. and Theodore of route 1, Banks; also 55 grandchildren.
(Source: Hillsboro Argus, 19 June 1947)