Carl Assink

Carl was born September 23, 1950 the youngest child of Frank and Ella Assink. He was welcomed into the family by his older sister Esther and big brother Ken. Carl was born in Zeeland Hospital and lived on Tyler Street in Holland for his entire life. He graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1968.

Growing up on his parents’ poultry and strawberry farm, Carl developed a strong work ethic. His hardworking attitude and love of the outdoors led him to continue farming with his dad after he completed his high school years. They enjoyed working together, driving their tractors, planting crops, gathering eggs, and coffee time.

He met his sweetie Bonnie on a youth group retreat in Detroit, they hung out as a large group before he asked her on their first date to a drive in movie on July 17, 1967, when they were just 15 and 16.

On January 1, 1970 Carl proposed to Bonnie after a day of snowmobiling. While they were engaged, they worked on building their first, and current, home doing much of the work themselves. On October 2, of that year they were married at Ottawa Reformed Church.

Through Carl’s years of poultry farming he modeled a strong work ethic to many young kids in this area. Even today many people fondly remember working with Carl on the farm; the chocolate sheet cake served afterwards was always a good reward.

After his father’s retirement, Carl increased the size of the poultry farm and started his side job of putting in irrigation for family and friends. As word got out, the part time summer employment soon grew to become Evergreen Sprinkling Inc. in 1984. He worked both occupations for many years. As the sprinkling business continued to grow and small family farms became less common, Carl made the decision rather than to upgrade the farm, he began to invest more into the irrigation business.

Over the years, both of Carl’s boys; Kirk and Nick joined in partnership in the family business. With the growth of the business and economy, Carl also delighted in the relationships he built with his employees and the community he served throughout the years.

Another very important part of Carl’s life was his faith. He was an active member of Ottawa Reformed Church where he served on the greater consistory for many years. He faithfully served on Consistory as an Elder and Deacon. Carl and Bonnie loved being a part of the Social Committee and caring for other members of the Church.

It has been evident throughout the years that Carl’s faith and family were the center of his life. Carl and Bonnie were blessed with three wonderful children, Kirk Michael, Stacey Kay, and Nickolas Scott. Carl was a dedicated father who enjoyed spending time with his children. As hard as Carl worked, he liked to play just as hard. Some of the family’s favorite early memories were camping at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, Hoffmaster State Park, Castle Rock Park in St. Ignace, Baldwin Oaks, and Dutch Treat. The family also enjoyed trips to Disney and other places in Florida, Goshen, and riding snowmobiles and quads together.

When Carl and Bonnie were blessed with 9 beautiful grandchildren his ability to love grew exponentially. He would do anything to make them happy. His grandchildren loved taking rides in the golf cart, gator and tractor with him, swimming in the backyard pool, Jeep’in in the dunes at Silver Lake, snuggling in his arms, helping him on sprinkling jobs, and listening to his life experiences and storytelling. He loved to come and watch any activity the grandkids were involved in: football, lacrosse, soccer and basketball, gymnastics, swimming, baseball, choir, band, guitar and piano. It didn’t matter what activity it was, if his grandchildren were involved in it, he would be there!

Carl made an impact on most people, which was evident in the way he was always available to help with any need that arose. From roofing, countless electrical projects, yard improvements, cutting and clearing trees, and of course, sprinkling.

Recently, Carl and Bonnie have enjoyed spending time at their condo in Fort Myers, shelling on the beach in Sanibel Island, and taking vacations to other tropical places. Carl loved to lounge on the beach with a good book and soak up the sun.

He has left an amazing legacy to his family and grandchildren, who will try to follow in his footsteps. He was always available to answer any of their questions, help with any need that arose, or just tell a good story. The faith that he instilled in every one of us will continue to live on. Well done good and faithful servant.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Ella (Steigenga) Assink and his father-in-law, Roger Boersema.

Surviving is his wife and best friend, Bonnie of 44 years; children, Kirk and Kristen Assink of Holland, Stacey and Matt VanPortfleet of Zeeland, and Nick and Rachael Assink of West Olive; 9 grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Ross Assink, Brant Assink, Blake Assink, Lee Assink, Meeka VanPortfleet, Kolby VanPortfleet, Talin VanPortfleet, Carter Assink, and Emma Assink; brother, Ken and Jean Assink of Holland; sister, Esther and Ken Lemmen of Holland; mother-in-law, Kay Boersema of Allendale; in-laws, Gary and Pam Boersema of Holland, Steve and Vickie Boersema of Zeeland, Dawn and Roger Rotman of Allendale, and Mark and Jackie Boersema of West Olive; nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Funeral services will be 10 am Saturday, March 14, at Ottawa Reformed Church, 11390 Stanton Street, with the Revs Paul Wernlund and Kevin Kleinheksel officiating.

Burial will be in Olive Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 pm Friday at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue.

Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Geneva or Winning at Home.