"The Other Swedes"
~ Celebrating Them ~
~ The Lindsborg Swedes, Their Neighbors & Friends ~
Dr. William Holwerda
~ Remembering their family doctor with Messiah Lutheran Church tributes
~ An account by Dr. Leon Lungstrom
Dr. William Holwerda
- The Dutchman -
1901-1964
He was an Augustana Lutheran Christian
~ Celebrating Them ~
~ The Lindsborg Swedes, Their Neighbors & Friends ~
Dr. William Holwerda
~ Remembering their family doctor with Messiah Lutheran Church tributes
~ An account by Dr. Leon Lungstrom
Dr. William Holwerda
- The Dutchman -
1901-1964
He was an Augustana Lutheran Christian
Source: 1965 "Lindsborg on Record" by Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg
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1931 marks the beginning of Dr. Holwerda's lifelong medical career in Lindsborg, eighteen (18) years before there was a hospital.
***
Messiah Lutheran Church Rev. Donald Conrad, October 5, 1964 -- “Doc Bill's" biography could elucidate the role a Christian is called to perform in and with his profession.
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1931 marks the beginning of Dr. Holwerda's lifelong medical career in Lindsborg, eighteen (18) years before there was a hospital.
***
Messiah Lutheran Church Rev. Donald Conrad, October 5, 1964 -- “Doc Bill's" biography could elucidate the role a Christian is called to perform in and with his profession.
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Biology Professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom's 1990 book, "History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, devotes thirteen pages on Dr. William Holwerda who was a Dutchman, a dearly beloved citizen of Lindsborg, a city father, and a committed physician. /\ Dr. Lungstrom and Dr. Holwerda may have become close colleagues and friends at Bethany College when Dr. Holwerda began teaching classes there in 1939, a tenure which lasted to 1961.
Here, Dr. Holwerda, as College Physician, taught Health and Hygiene classes and often donated his medical services to help in the Athletic Department. On several occasions, he would perform necessary surgeries on students "for free" when they lacked the funds since health coverage was not mandatory in those days. Dr. Holwerda would also participate in Bethany College fundraising events, while serving several years as the chairman for the annual Bethany College Loyalty Dinners.
His years of an accelerating Smoky Valley practice were characterized by learning about the newest procedures and research in medicine while, in addition, he attended medical meetings in Chicago, Kansas City, and his own community area. Yet, as well, he would give of himself towards active participation in a wide variety of Lindsborg's cultural and Swedish activities and traditions.
Here, Dr. Holwerda, as College Physician, taught Health and Hygiene classes and often donated his medical services to help in the Athletic Department. On several occasions, he would perform necessary surgeries on students "for free" when they lacked the funds since health coverage was not mandatory in those days. Dr. Holwerda would also participate in Bethany College fundraising events, while serving several years as the chairman for the annual Bethany College Loyalty Dinners.
His years of an accelerating Smoky Valley practice were characterized by learning about the newest procedures and research in medicine while, in addition, he attended medical meetings in Chicago, Kansas City, and his own community area. Yet, as well, he would give of himself towards active participation in a wide variety of Lindsborg's cultural and Swedish activities and traditions.
Before there was a hospital and the beginning of Dr. Holwerda's Practice, in 1931
Dr. Lungstrom writes:
"Lindsborg did not have a hospital when Dr. Holwerda arrived. The nearest hospitals were in McPherson and Salina. Due to the inconvenience of traveling out of town, he set up a small facility in a house on North Second Street, to handle minor surgery and other needs. Grace Stromquist, R.N. was in charge of the facility. Because of the need for obstetrical services in town, he contacted Mrs. Hjalmar "Jockey" Johnson, a midwife, to take over deliveries in her home. Dr. Holwerda for a couple of years also spent office time in Marquette, and, needing more assistance in that community, he contacted Mrs. Myra Hughes, R.N., to assist with obstetrical deliveries in her home. These measures proved to be inadequate, and so a two-story house on First Street near his office was rented. In it the first floor was used as an obstetrical section, and the second floor was designated for surgery. The facility had four beds for patients. It was used until 1949, when the new Lindsborg Hospital was open." *
"Lindsborg did not have a hospital when Dr. Holwerda arrived. The nearest hospitals were in McPherson and Salina. Due to the inconvenience of traveling out of town, he set up a small facility in a house on North Second Street, to handle minor surgery and other needs. Grace Stromquist, R.N. was in charge of the facility. Because of the need for obstetrical services in town, he contacted Mrs. Hjalmar "Jockey" Johnson, a midwife, to take over deliveries in her home. Dr. Holwerda for a couple of years also spent office time in Marquette, and, needing more assistance in that community, he contacted Mrs. Myra Hughes, R.N., to assist with obstetrical deliveries in her home. These measures proved to be inadequate, and so a two-story house on First Street near his office was rented. In it the first floor was used as an obstetrical section, and the second floor was designated for surgery. The facility had four beds for patients. It was used until 1949, when the new Lindsborg Hospital was open." *
- Lindsborg Community Hospital -
Founded in 1949, where "first" doctor, Dr. Holwerda, served from 1949 to 1964
Founded in 1949, where "first" doctor, Dr. Holwerda, served from 1949 to 1964
"Dr. Holwerda began his medical practice in Lindsborg during November 1931. His wife Vi assisted in the office during the first year. Time moved slowly the first two days while waiting for patients. Mrs. J. O. Stromquist came in as his first patient, complaining about a troublesome corn, which became a standing joke for sometime, but the beginning of a growing practice.
"He had an interesting experience in renting office space from A. B. Train, who was eager to rent the space but unwilling to decorate, which left the necessary papering, painting and other improvements up to the renter. At the time the doctor was ready to purchase a heating stove which was the only means of heat for his office. He asked Train about the cost, and A. B. answered shrewdly, 'Give it to you cheap as you will not be here long, then I can take it back.' **
"During his practice in Lindsborg (1931- 1964), Dr. Holwerda had offices in several different locations. The first location was above the City Bakery across the hall from Dr. Ebling. The next location was an office formally occupied by Dr. Jacques, a physician who had already moved away from Lindsborg. The final office location was at 130 North Second Street, a home formally owned by a Swenson family. Mrs. Holwerda is presently living here." ***
"Dr. William Holwerda passed away at the age of 63, on October 2, 1964, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. During that evening, a football game was in progress at the Bethany College Anderson Field. The bleachers were filled with enthusiastic sports fans when the announcer reported that Dr. William Holwerda passed away. A sudden stillness fell over the bleachers for a period, which showed the respect that was held by everyone for this highly regarded physician and friend.
"Funeral services were held Monday, October 5, at the Messiah Lutheran Church, with Reverend Donald Conrad officiating. Knowing the doctors love for the sunset, his burial at the Elmwood cemetery was delayed until late afternoon. The casket was lowered as the sun was beginning to set in the west." ****
"He had an interesting experience in renting office space from A. B. Train, who was eager to rent the space but unwilling to decorate, which left the necessary papering, painting and other improvements up to the renter. At the time the doctor was ready to purchase a heating stove which was the only means of heat for his office. He asked Train about the cost, and A. B. answered shrewdly, 'Give it to you cheap as you will not be here long, then I can take it back.' **
"During his practice in Lindsborg (1931- 1964), Dr. Holwerda had offices in several different locations. The first location was above the City Bakery across the hall from Dr. Ebling. The next location was an office formally occupied by Dr. Jacques, a physician who had already moved away from Lindsborg. The final office location was at 130 North Second Street, a home formally owned by a Swenson family. Mrs. Holwerda is presently living here." ***
"Dr. William Holwerda passed away at the age of 63, on October 2, 1964, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. During that evening, a football game was in progress at the Bethany College Anderson Field. The bleachers were filled with enthusiastic sports fans when the announcer reported that Dr. William Holwerda passed away. A sudden stillness fell over the bleachers for a period, which showed the respect that was held by everyone for this highly regarded physician and friend.
"Funeral services were held Monday, October 5, at the Messiah Lutheran Church, with Reverend Donald Conrad officiating. Knowing the doctors love for the sunset, his burial at the Elmwood cemetery was delayed until late afternoon. The casket was lowered as the sun was beginning to set in the west." ****
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Tributes to Dr. William Holwerda from his Messiah Lutheran Church on October 5, 1964
1901 - 1964
Tributes to Dr. William Holwerda from his Messiah Lutheran Church on October 5, 1964
1901 - 1964
These following heartfelt tributes given at Dr. Holwerda's funeral by Bethany College President Dr. L. Dale Lund and by Messiah Lutheran Church Rev. Donald Conrad appear on pages 225-226 of Dr. Lungstrom's book:
By L. Dale Lund, President of Bethany College:
"The Lindsborg Community suffered a great loss last week in the passing of Dr. William Holwerda. He was not only a well-known and well liked physician, but a community leader as well.
"The following tribute say much more than I can say:
"Dr. William Holwerda was one of those rare men who excelled in his work and as a person. He spent himself as a medical doctor, which was his vocation and his first concern, but he did not let his busy and successful practice prevent other worthwhile services. He gave much to his church, to community enterprises and to Bethany College. He organize projects, served on committees and he did his share of the work. He loved his family and his fellow man. He had no time for complaining or telling others how to conduct their affairs.
"Doc Bill was as fine a husband, father, friend, citizen and professional man as this town has ever seen. He wanted neither recognition nor fame. Had someone called him a great man he would have brushed the idea aside with embarrassed amusement.
"This adopted son became one of the “city fathers “in the proper sense of the words. He loved this place and it’s people. He served unselfishly. He brought the kind of blessing which only the humble, gifted and godly can bring.
By Reverend. Donald Conrad, Pastor of the Messiah Lutheran Church:
"The stubborn Swedes encountered and were conquered by a stubborn Dutchman in the last 33 years. Besides the names of Olsson, Swensson and similar Swedish designations, a history of Lindsborg must recognize the unusual one William Holwerda. Swede-town is not the product and Swedes only, but proudly claims indebtedness to the good Dutchman who chose to come from Michigan to the Smoky Valley. Further recitation of his achievements and contributions will continue to be acknowledged and extolled.
"As one who has often met this man when life‘s most crucial moments has struck, I feel honored to be asked to speak for the clergyman of Lindsborg in a little tribute to “Dr. Bill." In addition to the valuable traits of humility and devotion to the services of his profession, he supplied frequently an appropriate faith and words of consolation to bereaved families, as well as any Christian could do. His was the gift of a sensible Christian perspective – – and this he shared with persons perplexed by situations life would impose. He believed that health meant more than physical well-being. He was concerned about the effects of one’s relationship to God in the ministry to physical health. “Doc Bill's" biography could elucidate the role a Christian is called to perform in and with his profession. Truly every Christian has a calling to express faith in words and deeds on and off the job – – but few have I learned to know who have fulfilled this priesthood of a believer as well as did this servant of the Lord and of his community.
"Selfishly we might want more of his services, companionship, contributions, and witness. Still we can and will adapt to his absence. His good deeds and examples, however, will long be felt and will long follow after him. Swedes, thank God for the privilege we have had in the lifetime of service from the Dutchman, “Doc Bill" Holwerda." *****
By L. Dale Lund, President of Bethany College:
"The Lindsborg Community suffered a great loss last week in the passing of Dr. William Holwerda. He was not only a well-known and well liked physician, but a community leader as well.
"The following tribute say much more than I can say:
"Dr. William Holwerda was one of those rare men who excelled in his work and as a person. He spent himself as a medical doctor, which was his vocation and his first concern, but he did not let his busy and successful practice prevent other worthwhile services. He gave much to his church, to community enterprises and to Bethany College. He organize projects, served on committees and he did his share of the work. He loved his family and his fellow man. He had no time for complaining or telling others how to conduct their affairs.
"Doc Bill was as fine a husband, father, friend, citizen and professional man as this town has ever seen. He wanted neither recognition nor fame. Had someone called him a great man he would have brushed the idea aside with embarrassed amusement.
"This adopted son became one of the “city fathers “in the proper sense of the words. He loved this place and it’s people. He served unselfishly. He brought the kind of blessing which only the humble, gifted and godly can bring.
By Reverend. Donald Conrad, Pastor of the Messiah Lutheran Church:
"The stubborn Swedes encountered and were conquered by a stubborn Dutchman in the last 33 years. Besides the names of Olsson, Swensson and similar Swedish designations, a history of Lindsborg must recognize the unusual one William Holwerda. Swede-town is not the product and Swedes only, but proudly claims indebtedness to the good Dutchman who chose to come from Michigan to the Smoky Valley. Further recitation of his achievements and contributions will continue to be acknowledged and extolled.
"As one who has often met this man when life‘s most crucial moments has struck, I feel honored to be asked to speak for the clergyman of Lindsborg in a little tribute to “Dr. Bill." In addition to the valuable traits of humility and devotion to the services of his profession, he supplied frequently an appropriate faith and words of consolation to bereaved families, as well as any Christian could do. His was the gift of a sensible Christian perspective – – and this he shared with persons perplexed by situations life would impose. He believed that health meant more than physical well-being. He was concerned about the effects of one’s relationship to God in the ministry to physical health. “Doc Bill's" biography could elucidate the role a Christian is called to perform in and with his profession. Truly every Christian has a calling to express faith in words and deeds on and off the job – – but few have I learned to know who have fulfilled this priesthood of a believer as well as did this servant of the Lord and of his community.
"Selfishly we might want more of his services, companionship, contributions, and witness. Still we can and will adapt to his absence. His good deeds and examples, however, will long be felt and will long follow after him. Swedes, thank God for the privilege we have had in the lifetime of service from the Dutchman, “Doc Bill" Holwerda." *****
To learn more about this Dutchman family doctor who left such a deep and caring impression on this past community of his time, go HERE to Dr. William Holwerda ~ Remembering him as "Doc Bill," a city father and loving citizen by Dr. Leon Lungstrom and Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg.
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/\ On January 31, 2016, permission was granted by Mrs. Leon (Linda) Lungstrom the use of her husband's book in SWEDES due to the important biographies it has on early college Swedish professors, on Bethany College history, on the only recorded Bethany College Museum history, and Old Main and its blue prints. Therefore, this information has come from Dr. Lungstrom's 13 pages on Dr. Holwerda, pages 213-226, much of what is verbatim which has been indicated throughout the text and referenced below:
* page 218, paragraph 4
** page 217 & 218, paragraphs 2 & 1
*** pages 218, paragraph 2
**** page 222, paragraph 1-2
***** pages 225-226
Other information from Dr. Lungstrom's book: pages 214, 215, 222. 223, 224
* These shared selections on Dr. Holwerda have been shown to his granddaughter Mrs. Betty Nelson for approval as of 4-21-2021.
* page 218, paragraph 4
** page 217 & 218, paragraphs 2 & 1
*** pages 218, paragraph 2
**** page 222, paragraph 1-2
***** pages 225-226
Other information from Dr. Lungstrom's book: pages 214, 215, 222. 223, 224
* These shared selections on Dr. Holwerda have been shown to his granddaughter Mrs. Betty Nelson for approval as of 4-21-2021.
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"Let Us Celebrate Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
"Let Us Celebrate Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
