William (Bill) Lee Nykerk, 72, of Holland, MI lost his battle with cancer on September 15, 2024. Bill was full of love no matter the level of pain he was in. He always passed along a smile and kind word and kept his wit and humor until his last day with us.
Bill was born in Holland, MI to Harry and Leona Nykerk on December 11, 1951. He was a West Ottawa High School graduate and was a part of the Baseball State Championship team in 1970. After high school on the beaches of Holland State Park he met his future wife, Renee. Once married, they went on to have three children. Bill worked as a dental technician, alongside his brother Jim, for his entire professional career. When Bill wasn’t working he enjoyed bass fishing, annual trips to Torch Lake and watching sports as his kids and grandkids played. A few other favorites included; living the simple life, woodworking, family traditions, watching Andy Griffith, listening to records and of course, he would never refuse a good burger and chocolate shake!
Fishing was rarely not on Bill’s mind. If he was looking for something to do he would stumble upon ordering more fishing lures or a new fishing pole to add to his robust collection. He was part of the Bass Fishing Club for over ten years and took his kids, and grandkids, fishing anytime they were willing to join him. Thanks to Bill you may find that his family learned a few photography tricks of how to hold a fish to make it look larger for show. Up to his last summer, his grandkids were his biggest fans – always hoping he would catch a large bass to share in the excitement of reeling it in together.
Baseball was a passion that continued from his high school career into fatherhood. Bill spent countless hours in the backyard playing with Dave, his nephews, and friends from the neighborhood. He enjoyed feeding the pitching machine that his dad (Harry) built for the boys to hit off of and umpiring with his brother. Bill wanted to create the best experience he could for playing baseball in the backyard, he even went as far as cutting down Renee’s fruit trees to expand the outfield (we can all laugh about this now). Bill and Renee surprised Brenda, Keith and Dave with tickets to a Tigers game in 2006 which allowed them to cheer the Tigers to a win that advanced them to the World Series. Outside of baseball and fishing, many days you could find Bill with a camera in his hand. He loved taking pictures and has shared that passion with Jenny over the years. There were many laughs shared over Christmas Eve family pictures being taken on the tripod, many times with Jenny coming to the rescue so we could all be in it together. You could also find Bill enjoying his corvette for a summer night drive to take pictures at the beach.
Bill is survived by his three children; Brenda (Keith) Hollenkamp, Jenny (Jason) Burgess, Dave (Kate) Nykerk; Ten grandchildren, Macey, Kelsey, Taylie, Grady, Savannah, Silas, Madison, Camden, Ellery and Cooper; brother, Jim (Rachel) Nykerk; sister, Jean (Scott) Hamberg, along with many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Renee Nykerk; siblings, Tommy and Carol Nykerk, and parents Harry and Leona Nykerk.
A special thanks to the extra love and care provided by Bill’s brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Rachel Nykerk, that allowed him to remain at home through the entirety of his cancer journey.
Funeral service will be held at First Reformed of Holland on Thursday, September 19 at 11 am with Pastor Dan Gillett officiating. Burial will be followed at Lakewood Cemetary. Visitation will be held at First Reformed of Holland preceding the funeral on Thursday, September 19 from 9-11am. Dykstra Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to West Ottawa Athletics in care of Bill Nykerk, 3685 Butternut Dr Attn: Athletic Dept/Baseball Holland, MI 49424..
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