Renee Sue Nykerk

Tradition does not mean that the living are dead, it means that the dead are living. For Renee Sue Nykerk, traditions were the way to remember the events of the past and make memories of the events to come. An upbeat and happy person, any occasion spent with her family brought her great joy. With a wonderful smile on her face, Renee's personality shone like a beacon - beaming and hopeful for everyone around her. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she was a model of devotion and love.

Life in the United States was relatively quiet in 1954, a peace that was reflected in our culture. One of the best-selling non-fiction books was "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale. This book could have been the map for the life of a little girl born that same year.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the year 1954, Henry and Annette Wierenga were busy working and raising their two sons, Steve and Dale. On a blustery February 11, 1954, Annette gave birth to a beautiful baby girl they named Renee Sue. Growing up in the company of two older brothers, Renee learned to hold her own. When the boys went fishing, Renee was usually right at their side, with pole in hand.

Renee grew up in Grand Rapids. Playing with her extensive Barbi doll collection, or playing Yatzee, were among some of her favorite childhood things to do. She later graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School. In 1970, while still in school, she met a young man at the Holland State Park - his name was Bill Nykerk. The two dated over the next four years and while fishing together one day - yes, Bill liked to fish too - he suddenly blurted out, "Hey! Do you want to go shopping for a ring?" Renee knew a good thing when she saw it, and of course quickly replied "Yes". They were married on August 16, 1974. The rest, as they say, is history.

Renee and Bill were the perfect couple and enjoyed doing many things together. They would often take "weekend getaways", going up north to fish - of course - , visiting any nearby casinos or simply relaxing together with a good book.

Over the next several years, Renee and Bill were blessed with three wonderful children - Brenda, Jenny and David. She loved being a wife and mother. Her children were her first priority, and she often said she spoiled them "year round", including the traditional Easter baskets every year. As the children grew older, Renee became very involved in their activities, making sure each child was happy and safe.

A few years after getting married, Renee began working at Meijer's as a cashier. She enjoyed her job and meeting people and stayed with Meijer's until her retirement in 2006. But Renee was not all work and no play. She loved to do puzzles, go to the beach and attend one of David's baseball games. Many times she and the girls would go shopping together, enjoying some special mother-daughter time. As the children grew older, she maintained her motherly connection by phone, enjoying conversations with all her children. She loved dogs and in the spring and summer spent hours working in her beautiful flower gardens. She avidly watched "The Price is Right", along with other games shows and the daily soap operas. Renee took great pleasure in reading romance novels and listening to country music. She enjoyed taking care of her home and was especially proud of the family piano that had once belonged to her mother. Tables and shelves were full of her favorite family pictures and there was always space for the many crafts that her children had made for her.

When her granddaughter, Macey Renee, was born, Renee knew her life was truly blessed. Of all the wonderful things in her life, time spent with loved ones towered above all the rest. Traditions of family gatherings, holidays together, and simple family fun - these are what mattered most to Renee.

Renee Nykerk was a woman who lived life beautifully. Whether she was gardening and tending her flowers or joyfully caring for her family, she enjoyed life. She leaves warm memories and lasting love in the hearts of everyone blessed to know her.

Renee Sue Nykerk, age 53, of Holland, died Saturday, April 28, 2007 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was a member of First Reformed Church in Holland. Surviving are her husband of 33 years, William Nykerk of Holland; children, Brenda and Keith Hollenkamp, of Holland, Jenny and Jason Burgess, of Dorr, and David, of Holland; a granddaughter, Macy Renee Burgess; father-in-law, Harry Nykerk, of Holland; two brothers, Steve and Nancy Wierenga, of Caledonia, and Dale and Sue Wierenga, of Indiana; in-laws Jean and Scott Hamberg, of Holland, Carol Nykerk, of Portland, OR and Jim and Rachel Nykerk, of Holland. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, 11:00 am at First Reformed Church, in Holland. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Daniel Gillett and Rev. Dick Doedon. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland. Please visit Renee's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo, or sign the online guest book. Contributions may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or to the American Cancer Society.