Elaine Marie Vos Sikkel went to be with her Heavenly Father on January 8, 2022, at the age of 94. She was born in Holland, Michigan on February 15, 1927, the fifth and last child of Charlie and Clara Schaddelee Vos.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Sikkel; two infant daughters, Janice Kay and Jacqueline Sue; and siblings, Leonard Vos, Jeanne Ballast Tucker, Theressa Elenbaas Glaza, Osborne Vos.
Elaine is survived by her children, Gloria (Lynn) Schipper, Nancy (Mark) Tanis, Charles (Sandra) Sikkel all of Holland; grandchildren, Ryan (Jill) Tanis, Abbie (Matt) Klein, Kristi (Trevor) Hollenbeck, Jeff (Kara) Schipper, Scott (Erin) Tanis, Kara Schipper; great-grandchildren, Trygve Tanis, Graham Tanis, Drew Tanis, Daniel Klein, William Klein, Greta Klein, Allie Schipper, Andrew Schipper, Ezra Hollenbeck; in-laws, Raymond Sikkel of Connecticut, Bette Van Dyke of Holland, and Paul Sikkel of Muskegon.
She lived a happy childhood and was blessed to have loving, nurturing Christ-like parents and siblings. Her dad would always tell the children, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Elaine helped her parents bring food to church members and neighbors during the Depression. This upbringing shaped her kind, gentle and servant-like nature.
Elaine attended Holland Christian schools and graduated in June of 1945. She had a group of 12 girlfriends who continued meeting after graduation and marriage, often bringing lots of small children along. They named the group, Club. She still had a Club lunch a few years ago with two of the girlfriends.
There were some difficult years during World War I I. Her brother Lenny was killed, her brother Ossie was severely wounded but thankfully he healed, and she helped out a lot at home because her dad had a stroke and needed assistance. He later passed away at a young age.
Happiness came when she married her husband William (Bill) Sikkel on June 14, 1946. She loved being a homemaker and a stay-at-home mom. She always had a delicious meal ready for her family. She loved baking special treats for them too. East 29th Street in Holland provided the perfect neighborhood to raise their three children. Many precious memories were made in those days. Good neighbors, the Jaardas and the Kooikers were always close by and still are dear friends.
The loss of two infant daughters brought great sorrow again, but she would often talk about the joy of seeing them in Heaven someday, and wondered what they would look like.
Bill and Elaine were often found working together in the kitchen. As the children got married, and the family grew, the Sunday and holiday feasts did too! These gatherings were some of their biggest joys. They would spend the week planning, shopping, and preparing for them. They loved filling their home with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and lots of laughter.
Elaine loved little outings, coffee times, shopping adventures, and lunches with her mom Clara, her children, sisters Theressa and Jeanne, and many, many dear extended family members.
In her early days, Elaine worked for a short time at the Heinz pickle factory, Barbara Jean Bakery, and as an operator at the Bell Telephone Company. Later she worked as a unit clerk in Holland Hospital. She loved her jobs and made great friends along the way.
Elaine and Bill were charter members and very involved with their church family at Faith Christian Reformed. Many precious friendships were made there. God blessed Elaine and Bill, and life was good.
A fun fact about Elaine is that her husband became the mayor of Holland Michigan. This was in the 1980s. She was able to celebrate Tulip Time in style riding a float. She occasionally was able to travel with Bill and met many interesting people.
Bill and Elaine loved to travel with their family around Michigan. In later years, they took little getaways together. Their favorite one was to Mackinac Island in June to see the lilacs and to celebrate their anniversary. They were married 66 years.
If Elaine could share a bit of advice with everyone, it would simply be ‘Show kindness to everyone you meet.’
The Sikkel family would like to thank Hospice for their special care of Elaine. Also, thank you to the wonderful staff at Appledorn North who gave their love so beautifully to our mom and to our whole family.
Visitation is scheduled for 2:00-4:00 pm Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Faith Christian Reformed Church, 85 W 26th St., Holland. A private family memorial service is planned. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian Schools. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.
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