George Flik Jr.

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, George Flik Jr. lived a life of purpose while experiencing so many of the best things that life has to offer. He was loving, patient, and kind, and as a man of faith he exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord he loved. George was deeply devoted to his family, and he loved nothing more than sharing his days with the ones he cherished most. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It was exciting to be an American during the decade that we recall as the Roaring Twenties. Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart introduced us to the world of flight, and thanks to the wide implementation of the assembly line cars were more affordable for the average American family. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great celebration in the lives of George and Dena Blok Flik as they were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named George Jr. on September 24, 1923, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The youngest of five, George was born in the family home at 872 Ninth Street, joining his siblings, Harold, Gertrude, Marie, and Lois in the family. George’s father was a machinist who had immigrated to the United States when he was 16 while his mother was a homemaker who had been raised in Holland. They were a close knit family, and George always looked forward to going to the beach in the summer and visiting Grandma Blok in Holland. Later, their bustling family moved to a home at 1016 Courtney. Holidays were celebrated in the homes of various family members, but once the family grew too large they rented space at the YMCA.

From the time he was a young boy George was a bustle of activity. He enjoyed the companionship of the dog he was given by his brother-in-law, and when the dog went missing one day the police ended up rescuing it from the Grand River. George liked riding his bike and swimming at Richmond Park, and while growing up he discovered that he liked working with his hands and making things with wood. As a student he attended Widdicomb Elementary, Harrison Elementary and then Union High to the ninth grade. George began playing the violin in the sixth grade, and he also rode his bike to his accordion lessons. He could play most any musical instrument, and although he couldn’t read music he could play by ear. His musical abilities extended into adulthood as he played the bugle in the Army when no one else volunteered. He later played the musical saw. While growing up his family attended Calvary Baptist Church, and once he got married he became a lifelong member of Trinity Reformed Church.

New and exciting changes were in store for George when he met the love of his life. Her name was Lucille, and they met in youth group at Trinity. They began dating, and after four years they were married shortly after he was drafted and before he shipped out. They exchanged their vows at Trinity on June 1, 1949. The newlyweds had a honeymoon in Kansas. which is where George was stationed at the time. They lived in a trailer until he shipped out to Europe for 30 months.

With his military duties fulfilled, George returned stateside. They lived with Lucille's father until George built a house next door at 1260 Covell Road over a period of three months. This was the place George called home for the rest of his life. Together he and Lucille welcomed four children including David in 1945, Susan in 1948, Barbara in 1950, and Kathy in 1955 into their hearts and home. As a family they did lots of camping, first in a trailer that George had remodeled and then in a tent. They camped with three other families to various Michigan state parks and also a trip around Lake Superior. They also went to the Smokey Mountains and to North Carolina to see his brother. George loved gospel music, and later in life he loved going to Collingsworth Family concerts.

In 1985 life was forever changed for George when Lucille died after a lengthy illness. Her best friend, Lois, had also recently lost her husband so there was a natural connection between them. They began dating, and on October 5, 1986, they were married at Third Reformed Church. Together they loved traveling, and over the years they went to Hawaii and to Australia to visit cousins. George and Lois also spent winters in Florida for years. He enjoyed cooking, primarily because he didn’t like anyone messing up his kitchen, and among his specialties were chicken chow mein casserole and vegetable soup. Family continued to be George’s greatest source of pride and joy, and he was filled with unspeakable joy to witness his family tree blossom to include 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Loving, patient, and kind are just a few of the words used to describe George Flik. He was was a longtime resident of the community he called home, and he was the sort of person others knew they could count on. George loved his family, and he considered being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to be his richest blessing. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

George Flik, aged 96, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday morning, January 6, 2020, while in the comfort of his home and in the company of his family. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the fall of 1923. He was preceded in death by his first wife Lucille, second wife Lois “ Cookie” and grandson Brian Flik. He is survived by his children; David (Amy) Flik, Susie (Lance) Bechtel, Barb (Rob) Teitsma and Kathy (Alex) DelaCruz, Lois’ children, Gary Cook, Larry and Sharon Cook, Harold and Margaret Cook, Jim Kremer, Carol Johnson, as well as by his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was a longtime, dedicated, and active member of Trinity Reformed Church. George was a US Army veteran, serving in WWII in Central Europe and was a retiree of the Grand Rapids press where he worked for many years as a pressman. A service to celebrate George’s life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 12noon at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt-Shawmut Chapel with Pastor Benjamin Bruins officiating. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Saturday prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am Contributions in his memory should be directed to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE, 49546 or D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s, 805 Leonard NE, 49503. George’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Lisa of Faith Hospice and caregivers Angela and Laura for their compassionate care. To leave your own memory and to sign his guest book, visit his web page at www.heritagelifestory.com Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes.