A large crowd of relatives and friends gathered on Monday at the home of Mr. & Mrs. John Burgraff to help Mr. Burgraff celebrate his 63rd birthday anniversary. A sumptuous birthday dinner was served in the early afternoon, and a good time enjoyed by the following; Mr. & Mrs. Hugo Kortlever, and sons Victor & Marshall, Mr. & Mrs. Ren Van Diest and son John, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Dyksterhuis and children John & Helen, Mr. & Mrs. John Kortlver and son John, Mr. & Mrs. John Enos, Mr. & Mrs. A. P. Burgraff of Lawrence, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Zweegman, Mr. Abe Noteboom and son Cornelius and Mr. Bastian De Hoog. In the evening more guests arrived to honor Mr. Burgraff’s birthday. The evening was spent very pleasantly in music and conversation and at a late hour refreshments were served. – The Lynden Tribune, Forest Grove Column 12 May 1921
Just 7 days later on 16 May 1921 John Burgraff died of a heart attack.1
WILL HOLD FUNERAL SERVICES FOR LATE JOHN BURGRAFF
Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 1:30 at Knapp’s Parlors for the late John Burgraff who died suddenly Saturday evening at his home at Ten Mile. The Rev. A.J. Brink and Rev W. O. Benadon will conduct the services.Mr. Burgraff had been feeling well up to the time of retiring Saturday evening. He had entertained friends at his home was apparently in good health. He became seriously ill later in the evening, and passed away at 10:30.
Mr. Burgraff was 63 years old. He was born in Pella, Iowa. At the age of 35 he went to Minnesota where he was married to Miss Mary Kortlever, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Kortlever of Lynden. Sixteen years ago he came to Lynden with his family.
Besides his widow, he is survived by 12 children. – The Lynden Tribune, Thursday, 19 May 1921.
John is buried in Monumenta Cemetery.
1. Whatcom County, Washington, death certificate no. 85 (14 May 1921), John Burgraff; Washington State Vital Records, Olympia, Washington.