Itje K.  Flikkema

Flikkema, Itje Itje K. Flikkema passed peacefully into the eternal light of God on June 13, 2013 at the age of 86.  She was born in Nansum, the Netherlands on July 17, 1926 and together with husband, Koert and the two eldest children immigrated to Grand Rapids in December of 1951.  Surviving are her children, Jantina (David Perry) of Coronado, CA, John (Julie) of Grand Rapids, Mark of Grand Rapids, and Alice (Jerry Gutierrez) of Holland.   Itje was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years,  Koert, her son, Maynard (Janice Hoit), grandson, Matthew (John and Julie), and infant grandson, Alan Kamps (Alice).  Itje's siblings, Harm Jacob, Dia, and Doeko preceded her.  Her siblings, Willy (Nijsiena) Smit (88) and Etty Ubbens-Smit (85), sister-in-law, Marie Smit-Mulder, and sister-in-law Eike van't Hof-Flikkema are still living in the Netherlands. Sister-in-law, Grace Flikkema resides in Byron Center.  Itje's eight surviving grandchildren are Dia Bassett, Jonathan Bassett (Jantina); Krista Flikkema-Geiger, Adam Flikkema (Maynard and Janice);  Melissa Nestle, Sarah Flikkema (John and Julie); Angela (Robert) Stille, Joel Kamps (Alice); five great grandchildren, Alex (Leticia) Nestle, Zach Nestle, and Madison Nestle; Laura Stille and Holly Annie Stille; and one great great grandchild, Matteo Nestle. The family gives thanks for her life and her testimony of faith.  Itje is remembered for being a wonderful grandmother, for her lovely flower gardens and for her beautiful penmanship used in writing interesting letters to siblings, nephews and nieces.  Funeral services will be held on Monday 11 am at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, 49418 with Rev. Matthew  Palsrok officiating.  Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-4 pm at the funeral home.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Les Turner ALS Foundation (www.lesturnerals.org).