(Grandville Avenue Record, 4 December 1914, Pg. 8)

The death of Nicholas Spoelstra of 755 Crofton avenue, came like a shock from a clear sky, to many who did not know that he had been ill for many weeks with that dreaded disease, typhoid fever. He suffered much during his illness and during this same time witnessed his baby taken from his home by death. It was a sad hour.

Mr. Spoelstra was in the prime of life, only 39 years of age, and has been identified with the business interests of this district for several years. He was at one time a member of Spoelstra Bros. in the wall paper trade. Of late he engaged in business by himself.

He was an elder of the new Bethel English speaking church, and took a most active part in formulating plans and carrying out the details for the erection of the new church on Shamrock street. He was a member of the building committee, also a member of the Improvement Association, and never hesitated to do his duty on call.

He leaves a wife and two children, two brothers and two sisters to mourn his death and they have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. Private funeral services were held at his late home yesterday afternoon at 1 o’clock and public services at the Grandville Avenue Christian Reformed church, conducted by Rev. Hoeksema.