Craig Nykamp, age 80, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at his home in Silver Lake, surrounded by his loving family.
A lifelong resident of Holland, Michigan, Craig was born on March 7, 1945, to Calvin and Arlene Nykamp. He attended Beechwood Elementary School and graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1963 as part of the new district’s second graduating class.
At ages 17 and 16, Craig met the love of his life, Irene Welling, on a blind date. In January 1964, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Craig and Irene were married that September and began their life together while he was stationed in Memphis, Tennessee, and Key West, Florida, until his honorable discharge in January 1968. After his deep love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his devotion to his family, Craig held his military service and love of country close to his heart. He was an extremely proud veteran.
Upon returning to Holland, Craig worked at Vogelzang Hardware and Quality Memorial while attending Davenport University under the GI Bill, graduating in 1971. In 1978, he joined Big Dutchman as Accounting Manager, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 2005. Craig and Irene later moved from Holland to their cottage on Upper Silver Lake, where he enjoyed more than twenty years, along with cherished winter months spent in The Villages, Florida.
Craig believed in staying active. He was an avid golfer and fisherman and an excellent marksman. He enjoyed hunting throughout Michigan, as well as in Wyoming, Canada, and North Carolina, where he took his final hunting trip this past November. His trophies hang proudly in his beloved “Bear Cave” at home, and he took great pride in keeping two freezers well stocked with venison.
Craig also served the City of Holland for many years as a softball umpire, eventually becoming Umpire-in-Chief of the crew. He greatly enjoyed officiating and was especially proud that few players ever argued with his calls.
Service became an even greater focus after retirement. Craig joined the Hart Lions Club in 2005 and was active in local outreach efforts. He made three trips to the Gulf Coast to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for many years until declining health required him to step back.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Pamela Nykamp, Jill Scholten, and Jan Schultz.
Craig is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Irene Welling Nykamp; his daughters, Victoria Nykamp (David Daitch), Christine (Jeff) VanOpynen, and Elisabeth (Rick) Schwander; his grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Erica and Paul Vogel; Jessica and Louis Rios (Isaias, Arisella, Ava); T.J. and Renae Hurtman (Julian); Daniel and Lexy Hurtman (Addison, Hudson, Crew); Chelsea and John McClure; and Anna-Blue Schwander; his sister, Debbie (Henry) Holthuis; his brother-in-law, Warren (Linda) Welling; along with several beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of Craig’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, at First Reformed Church of Holland, 630 State Street, Holland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hart Lions Club or to The Hart Wesleyan Church Building Fund.
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