Gerald Slikkers

Gerald Slikkers, sometimes described as a "character" and a "good old farm boy", loved his family and his faith. He knew how to fix most anything and was happiest when he was busy. He spent his life serving others - his country during World War II, his church and his friends and family. It was a life to be admired.

The early 1920's were a mixture of events. There were power struggles in Russia while Babe Ruth was setting baseball records here in the United States. But for most of the people living in the rural area around Hamilton, Michigan, such happenings were nothing more than headlines in the newspaper. Their lives were centered on raising their families and working their farms. Dick and Grace (Arendsen) Slikkers were among these farming families, working to support themselves and their five children. When son Gerald was born on May 25, 1921, it made it an even three boys and three girls - Art, Dennis and Gerald; Helen, Jean and Harriet. However, it didn't stay that way for long. Gerald and his siblings were soon joined by Mae, Leon and Paul.

Gerald was raised with his brothers and sisters on a farm in Hamilton, Michigan. Growing up during the Depression era made life difficult for everyone and it was young Gerald's responsibility to help his dad on the family farm. No task was too big or too hard for this young man. He helped clear 40 acres of timber to make more farmland for the family. He drove the horses to plow the fields, and even worked on a celery farm. He learned the rewards of hard work at a very early age.

Attending a little schoolhouse in Diamond Springs, near Hamilton, Gerald completed the 8th grade. He was proud of the fact that as an adult, he went back and earned his G.E.D. In October of 1942, Gerald attended a church camp in Grand Ledge, where he met the pretty Virginia Bartz. Virginia stayed on Gerald's mind and in his heart as he, like many young men at the time, went to serve his country, as a member of the Army Air Corps. However, Gerald contracted scarlet fever and had to be sent home to recover. When he returned to the service, Virginia went with him. They were married in July of 1943 in the home of a minister in Pendleton, Oregon where Gerald was stationed.

Gerald was in the service for four years during WW II, he serving as a medic with the Army Air Corps. During this time, he and Virginia moved several times, to California, Georgia, until Gerald ended up going overseas to India and Burma for almost three years. Virginia moved to Holland and lived with Gerald's parents while he finished up the last of his service. When Gerald returned home and they lived in East Saugatuck for a short while until they were able to build their home on 35th Street in Holland. They were blessed with three wonderful children - Michael, Patricia, and Randy. When the kids were young, the family took many trips. They loved to travel and go camping in the little trailer, visiting Yellowstone National Park three or four times.

Gerald had worked at Chris Craft before going into the Army. His employers were most generous for they told all of the servicemen working for them that they would all have a job when they returned, and this included Gerald. From there he went to Slickcraft and then on to Thermotron, where he stayed until his retirement in 1987. But Gerald was not one to just sit around - he had to keep busy. So one day after working a full day of work, he decided to put in a sprinkling system in his yard. The word spread about what a good job he did, and soon he was installing systems for friends and neighbors. The kids all remember helping their dad by digging trenches, fixing sprinkler heads, and anything else that needed to be done. Gerald loved having his kids work along side him. The enterprise was so successful that he ended up owning and operating his own business, called Lawn Mist Irrigation. Over the years, he traveled as far north as Grand Haven and south to Niles, putting in sprinkler systems. After he retired, Gerald and Virginia traveled to Florida for the winter months, where Gerald installed sprinkler systems for friends and family there.

Just putting a sprinkler system in his yard was not enough for Gerald. He loved his yard and took great pleasure in keeping it immaculate. He mowed it, he looked at it, making sure it was perfect.

Faith was a mainstay of Gerald's life, and he had been a life-long member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Holland. He loved to read his bible and the writings of Ellen G. White, the founder of the Seventh Day Adventists. He was a deacon in his church and a strong believer in God. He wanted his children to attend Christian schools and was a strong supporter of Christian education.

Gerald was a man of many interests. He belonged to the Confederate Air Force, an organization that worked restoring airplanes. He had a passion for WW II flying memorabilia, and even took lessons to get his pilot's license. He collected both coins and stamps, and was fascinated by astronomy and the stars. He loved photography, and had many pictures, taken with his many cameras. And he hardly ever threw anything away. Each item was special and to be treasured. He especially treasured listening to his daughter play the piano and sing.

Faithful, patriotic, and a family man best describe Gerald Slikkers. He had many interests to keep him happy, but found the greatest joy in the presence of his loved ones. He will be greatly missed.

Gerald Jay Slikkers, 83 of Holland died Tuesday February 15, 2005 in Bradenton, FL. He was preceded in death by his brothers; Arthur, Dennis, and Paul Slikkers, sister; Harriet Slikkers and Brothers-in-law Irwin Bartz, Lee Lackey, Fritz Forrester, Bob Kachenmeister and sister-in-law; Gertrude Slikkers. Surviving is his wife of 61 years Virginia. He is also survived by his children: Michael and Donna Slikkers of Holland, Patricia and John Pawson of Bradenton, FL and Randy and Elaine Slikkers of Holland; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; Brother and sisters Helene DeWitt of Bridgeman, Jean and Clare Brummette of Hayden Lake, ID, Mae Kachenmeister of Holland, and Leon and Dolores Slikkers of Holland: Sisters-in-law; Barbara Bartz of Deerfield Beach, FL, Kermit Lackey of Waterford, MI, and several nieces and nephews

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 3:00 pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, with the Rev. Dale Wolcott officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Please visit Gerald's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to the Parkinson Association.