In 1903, young Albert came to America with his mother and others, and moved around the Holland and Zeeland, MI, area often while growing up. Dina grew up on the family farm (map of farm).

Dina told Albert she was pregnant during a boat ride on Black Lake in Holland, and they were soon married (view marriage license). They first lived on Central Avenue in Holland, and later on a farm in Hamilton, where they grew celery and onions. In 1918 they moved to Rochester, NY, for about a year, where Albert was a barber. He remained a barber back in Holland, until they moved back to the Hamilton farm in 1929. On their land they had a few oil wells, whose output varied but often reached 300 barrels a day; the resulting money greatly helped them pay off their many debts. The Depression hit the family quite hard, as did the absence of both sons during the later war.

In the early 1950s they moved to 391 East 8th Street in Holland, where he had his own barber chair. Albert was known as an easy-going man with many friends, and a good storyteller. Dina had many friends and was a good cook, but was also easily upset and always insisted on having her way. Later in life she kept many scrapbooks, and often crocheted tablecloths only to rip them apart and start over. She died suddenly of a heart attack while vacationing in Gatlinburg, TN, with her son Lester and his wife Julia.

After Dina died, Albert married Antonette Ver Schure on July 1, 1965. He lived his last year with son Donald and Irene. Albert's cause of death was listed as cerebro vascular thrombosis.

Dina is buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery (PH3 E 92 5), and Albert next to her (PH3 E 92 6).

View Albert's draft registration card (1917-18)
View Albert's certificate of citizenship
View Albert's barber license