Our Neighbors in the Services.
Sheldon, Iowa – Dr. and Mrs. W. S. Balkema of Sheldon have received a letter from their son, Donald saying that he is taking field hospital training at an island in the Pacific and when completed will be sent into action with the naval dental corps. He has just been promoted from lieutenant junior to lieutenant senior grade.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, April 9, 1943
Sheldon, IA.—Ensign Robert Diamond and Lieut (j.g.) Donald Balkema, both of Sheldon, met and had dinner together in New Caledonia. Ensign Diamond is on a rescue ship and Lieut. Balkema is on a hospital ship.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, September 15, 1943
NEWS OF OUR MEN and WOMEN IN UNIFORM
South Pacific Veteran Visits Here.
Dr. and Mrs. Walter Balkema of Sheldon and their son, Lt. Donald Balkema, who is home on a two weeks furlough spent Sunday at the parental Nic Balkema home. Lt. Donald is in the Navy and has been in the service in the Pacific for some time and came home on Saturday evening to spend his furlough with his parents, after which he will be sent to Seattle, Wash.
Source: Sioux Center News, August 31, 1944
Donald Thomas Balkema was born Dec. 21, 1916 to Walter S. and Constance Weinland Balkema. He died Nov. 5, 1964 and is buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Sheldon, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
