Jack Barkel

Jack Stewart Barkel was a strong and caring man, a husband, father and grandfather who never compromised his family or faith. He was a loyal member of the Holland community for his entire life and a member of many organizations including the Boy Scouts, American Legion Band, Holland Country Club, and a faithful member of Calvary Reformed Church. He had a generous nature to neighbors and to those he loved. Jack cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing laughter and love. Jack was born to Harold and Dorothy (Newhouse) Barkel. They celebrated the birth of their son on November 25, 1926. He was one of five children in the home, which was located on 14th Street and Fairbanks Avenue in Holland, Michigan. His father was employed at Hart and Cooley and his mother stayed at home to care for their family. Jack attended schools in the Holland Public School System and was raised in Sixth Reformed Church. His faith would provide a background on which he would base his life's principles as a Christian man. As a child, Jack delivered newspapers and performed odd jobs for people to earn money. Jack learned a strong work ethic at a young age and it stayed with him throughout his life. He grew up with pets and at one time in his life, was the owner of a goat, and a dog he named Whiskers. Whiskers and Jack were great buddies.

Jack graduated from Holland High School in 1944. After graduation, and with the encouragement of his father, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Jack's father would laughingly say “If you join the Navy, you'll always have your bed with you." Jack left behind his high school sweetheart Mary Ann Naber, and went off to war. On one of his leaves, he married Mary Ann. Jack returned to service, and his bride stayed behind to await his return.

Jack served in the U.S. Navy until the end of the war. When he returned from active duty, he came back to Holland and took a job as a meat cutter. Times were tough in the post-war era. However, Jack and Mary Ann were able to purchase their first home on 17th Street in Holland. In the early 1950's, Jack took a job with Domestic Finance Company on Eighth Street in Holland and remained with Domestic Finance until the 1960's.

In 1954, Jack and Mary Ann built a new home in Holland Heights. They were one of the earlier families to build a home in Holland Heights farm area.

After leaving Domestic Finance, Jack became employed with Ready Finance, and in later years, would become owner of the business. The business would later be named Quality Credit, and it relocated to Main and Elm Street in Zeeland, Michigan. His wife, Mary Ann often worked by his side in the business. Quality Credit loaned small amounts of money to finance consumer goods such as small appliances and furniture. Jack also had a sideline business doing income tax preparation for many years.

Jack was involved with his community, and for over 30 years was a volunteer member of the Holland Fire Department. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America and became Scout Master for Troop 157 in Holland Heights. He believed in giving young men a good start in life and felt he was contributing to their growth by being a Scout leader. Fabiano's Peanut Store in downtown Holland was a frequent stop for Jack. He was a big lover of their fresh chocolate-covered peanuts. Jack was a meticulous man and liked everything to be just so. He was also a regimented man, possibly stemming from his years in the Navy. Jack was a religious man, and always started the evening meal with a prayer. He would bow his head and say the Lord's Prayer (in three seconds or less because he wanted to get to the food), and then the meal could begin. Sunday dinner at the house was always a big event and very important to Jack.

Jack was a member of the Holland Country Club and was an avid golfer. At a young age, Jack had learned to the play the trombone and continued to play as a member of the Holland High School Band, a Navy Jazz Band, and Holland American Legion Band. He was also a small game hunter and often took to the woods with his companion, Skippy, by his side. Skippy, a Springer Spaniel mix was the cornerstone of the family pets.

He cared deeply about his family and friends in the community. Throughout his life, he strove to be the best husband, father and grandfather possible. He was a meticulous man with a strong devotion to the principles of both hard work and Christian faith. Jack realized that friends and family were the center of his life and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Jack Stewart Barkel, age 78, died in Holland Hospital on Saturday, April 2, 2005. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Barkel; his children, Susan Kott and Ronald Magierka of Caro, Michigan, Patricia and Scott Embree of Destin, Florida, Thomas and LuAnn Barkel of Colleyville, Texas; two grandchildren, Lindsey and Kyle; brothers and sister: Paul and Joyce Barkel, Earl and Dolores Barkel, Joan and Del Huyser all of Holland, MI.; in-laws Alma Steketee and Dorothy and Ed Schuitema both of Holland, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visiting will be from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Tuesday at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel, 29 East Ninth Street Holland, Michigan. Services are Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at Calvary Reformed Church, 995 East Eighth Street, Holland, Michigan. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Holland, Michigan.

Please visit Jack's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, order flowers online or make a memorial contribution.