Willard Guikema

It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Willard H. Guikema. He was a kind husband, loving dad and a fun grandpa. He passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on August 16 at the age of 82. We know that he is now in heaven, completely healed from Parkinson’s disease, and living fully in God’s glory. 

Will was born on May 9, 1944, to Siebrand and Gertrude Guikema. Will was the middle child born between a brother and sister and in his younger years he went by the nickname “Billy” or “Bill.” He was in the army reserves for four years but was never deployed. In 1968, he married the love of his life, Janice Boorsma, and together they raised three kids in Cutlerville. Will was kind and gentle to everyone he met and always liked to share a laugh with his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed building things with his sons and camping with his family. His grandkids adored him and knew that Gramps would always be up for an ice cream stop because even after a big meal he would say, “ice cream fills in the cracks.” We hope he is enjoying a chocolate peanut butter cup flurry in heaven! 

Will was a very hard worker and began his career in telecommunications in 1967. He loved his work and was the best coworker. Will was a “phone man” for 48 years and demonstrated daily dedication, professionalism, and kindness. He was a lifelong church member and served as an elder and deacon at Providence CRC. Will was also a cadet counselor for several years. Later in life, he served as a greeter at South Harbor Church in the children’s wing where the kids loved all of his jokes and silly handshakes. Using all of his building experience, he went on a mission trip to Guatemala with his son to help at an orphanage and he volunteered with his wife at Hope Unexpected. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Siebrand and Gertrude Guikema and sister-in-law, Joan Guikema. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Jan, and his three children, Amy (Doug) Moorhead, Jeff (Laurie) Guikema, and Steve (Molly) Guikema. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren: Sarah Moorhead, Luke (Lulu) Moorhead, Mikayla Moorhead, Ben Moorhead, Daniel Moorhead, Seth Moorhead, Paige Guikema, Zoey Guikema, Zach Guikema, Ella Guikema, Jack Guikema, Aidan Guikema, and Colleen Guikema. Will’s siblings, Dale Guikema and Gayle Ringnalda will miss their sweet brother. 

Visitation will be Friday, August 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at South Harbor Church (1907 64th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315). The celebration of life service will be Saturday, August 22 at 11:00 a.m. also at South Harbor Church with visitation prior to the service from 10:00-10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hope Unexpected where Will and Jan volunteered regularly.