Honoring Tradition.
Celebrating Life.

Hermina Sikkema

May 6, 2022
Grand Rapids, MI

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01c/139964/139964-00.jpg



Grave Side Service

Thursday, May 12, 2022
3:00 PM EDT
Live Stream
Garfield Park Cemetery
2222 Kalamazoo
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Map

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Hermina Sikkema Memoral Fund - Gift for St. Jude
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
Web Site

Kent County Humane Socieity
3077 Wilson Drive NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
(616) 453-8900
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


Print

Hermina E. Sikkema of Grand Rapids passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022, at the age of 79. She was born in the Netherlands in the spring of 1943, to the late Lambert and Froukje [Prins] Sikkema. Moving to the United States at the age of five, Hermie had the opportunity to experience much of the country. She and her family moved across the country from Michigan to California where they permanently settled. Growing up on a dairy instilled an ethic of hard work, dedication, and perseverance that could be seen in every aspect of her life.

Hermina was a graduate of Calvin University and later earned an MA in history. Upon graduation, Hermie joined the Peace Corps and served as one of the country's first volunteers in Colombia. Her work as an educator helped shape the future of hundreds of high school students, and many pre-service teachers. She made lifelong friendships with colleagues over her lengthy career as an English teacher with Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills and Central high schools. Hermina's was a large family, as one of eight children, Hermina had over twenty nieces and nephews--who now have many children of their own--whom she made it a point to know intimately, visit in her cross country trips with dear friend and life-long companion Barbara Wepman, and remain in contact with as long as she could. All of Hermie's students, colleagues, family and friends will remember her as one who loved to serve others and was generous with her time. Hermina blessed everyone around her with her intellect, sharp wit, expansive vocabulary, and experience. Her appreciation of the world around her extended to a love of nature, especially the cats that were fortunate to live under her care. She had a very giving spirit and enjoyed volunteering in her community. Her unending patience in the caretaking of others will be remembered by many families whose loved ones she so selflessly cared for.

Along with her parents, Hermina is preceded in death by her sister Edna Sikkema. Hermina is survived by her dear friend and companion Barbara Wepman as well as her sisters Tena Klompien, Rhea Terpstra, Bea Overgaauw; brothers: Ray (Chris) Sikkema, Ralph (Gitta) Sikkema, John (Viola) Sikkema as well as many cherished nieces and nephews and their many children.

Hermina will be laid to rest near her sister Edna, per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside burial service will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 3:00 pm at Garfield Park Cemetery 2222 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. A gathering will be held at That Earlybird, 1445 Lake drive S.E. directly following the service. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's children’s hospital. Gift Funds: Hermina Sikkema Memorial Fund - Gift Funds for St. Jude or to the West Michigan Humane Society. To sign Hermina’s guest book, leave a memory or post a picture please visit her memory page at www.heritagelifestory.com