Dorothy "Dottie" Sikkenga

There are no prouder achievements, no greater rewards, and no higher earthly calling, than simply being known as Mother. It is mother who cares for us, nurtures us, and above all, loves us, every day of her life. Dorothy Dottie Sikkenga was a devoted daughter, and a loving wife, but most of all, she was a wonderful mother, who cared for her family above all else. The 1920s were a period of transition in American history. Women had gained the right to vote and were shortening the length of their skirts. A different form of entertainment was now possible through the magic of radio and average citizens were enjoying newfound fortunes through investments in the stock market. Amidst these new reforms and innovative ideas, George and Lillian (Johansen) Slicker, living in Big Rapids, Michigan with their son George, were anxiously awaiting the birth of their second child. On November 29, 1926, they joyously welcomed a baby girl they named Dorothy Mae. When daughter Donna was born, the Slicker family was complete. George worked very hard to support his growing family. He worked at Lakey Foundry and then Continental Motors, both located in Muskegon, Michigan. His list of talents also included being a licensed harbormaster and a butcher. Lillian worked just as hard caring for the children and their home. When Dottie was young, George and Lillian moved their family to Muskegon, but they often returned to Big Rapids to visit the family farm, where Dottie kept a close friendship with her cousin Evelyn. Dottie attended school in Muskegon, and soon entered Muskegon High School. It was here that she met a handsome young man named Melvin Sikkenga everyone called him Mike. The two teenagers often spent time together roller skating at Curve Crest roller rink. However, with World War II ravaging much of Europe, Mike, like many young men of the time, quit school and joined the Army Air Corp. Dottie remained in school but when Mike was reported missing in action, she found it very difficult to concentrate on schoolwork. She always said that one of the best days of her life was when she found out her beloved Mike was safe. When Mike returned home, he and Dottie were married on June 9, 1945 in Muskegon, making sure they were never parted again. Family had always been important to Dottie and she was anxious to start one with Mike. Over the next ten years, they were blessed with six beautiful children Linda, Jeanne, Michael, Paul, Robert, and Skip. Now Dottie had found her true calling that of mother. Dottie may have thought she spoiled her children but what she really did was make sure they were loved and cared for at all times. No matter what activity they were in, Dottie was always there, cheering them on. She was their biggest supporter and fan. The boys played hockey and were on traveling teams, which can put a strain on family time. Not for Dottie. She and Mike loaded up the rest of the family and off they went, whether it was to Detroit or wherever they were playing. And if she didnt like a call that the ref made, you could hear her all the way back to Muskegon. Dottie had a real competitive spirit and she loved it when her teams won. When grandchildren came along, number one fan - Grandma - was right there, cheering as loudly as she could. The family took many fun trips together and many fond memories were made camping at Silver Lake and exploring Michigans Upper Peninsula. They also enjoyed the closeness of the beaches of Lake Michigan. Dottie and family lived on Marshall Street on Jackson hill and in 1958, when Skip was two years old, she took a job at Hardy Herpolsheimers department store in Muskegon. She started out as a sales clerk, but her hard work and dedication eventually earned her the position of assistant buyer in the childrens department. She loved her job, especially since it helped clothe her children and later her grandchildren. After 30 years of buying and selling, Dorothy finally retire. While she was working, it was especially important to Dottie that the whole family ate dinner together. Mike worked second and third shifts so he would do the cooking. When Dottie got home from work, Mike had dinner ready and Dottie was able to enjoy her meal, surrounded by her family. Friday nights were often busy, and the family had a tradition of Friday night Scribbs pizza. As the kids grew and moved away, holiday dinners became the family gathering time. There was a standing joke among Dotties children and grandchildren about Grandmas Totem Pole. When you won or did something really good, you were on the top of the Totem Pole. If you goofed up in any way, well, down to the bottom you went. Needless to say, everyone wanted to be on the top of Grandmas Totem Pole. As the years went by, the neighborhood changed so Dottie and family moved to Mikes old family home on McLaughlin. They were members of the Unity Reformed Church and it was conveniently close to their new home. In 1987 they bought some property in Egleston Township. No contractors were hired, just lots of family energy and sweat. Remarkably, they finished their new house in just ten weeks. Dottie was so proud of her new home. She wanted everything to be just right and every spring they cleaned, and I mean cleaned. Everything had to be emptied out of the house so that each nook and cranny got cleaned and polished. When Dotties parents could no longer care for themselves, Dottie took over, caring for her Dad for 10 years and her mom for 20. They were family and family takes care of family. Tragedy struck when Dotties beloved Mike died in 2002. Supported by her children and grandchildren, Dottie was able to go on. She loved chasing her grandkids around and never stopped rooting for her beloved Chicago White Sox. As time went on, her body began to give out and Dottie spent her last days at Poppen Hospice House. In Dotties golden years she was able to spend some of the best and happiest moments making the most of her time with her loved ones. With her passing, these are the moments that will remain in the hearts and minds of her family and friends for a lifetime. Mrs. Dorothy Mae Dottie Sikkenga, age 81, died Saturday, August 16, 2008. Her family includes 3 sons, Paul (Sharon) Sikkenga of Fruitport, Robert (Rita) Sikkenga of Muskegon & Skip (Peggy) Sikkenga of Muskegon; 2 daughters, Linda (Rod) Carlson of Holland & Jeanne (Terry) Rebedew of Montague; 1 daughter-in-law, Patricia Sikkenga of Muskegon; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Donna Anderson of Muskegon; 2 sisters-in-law, Doris Slicker & Betty Sikkenga; 1 brother-in-law, Jack (Darlene) Sikkenga, several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Michael & a brother, George. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:00 AM at the Clock Chapel with Rev. Carlos Ramos officiating. Interment at Egelston Township Cemetery. Visitation is Monday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First Free Methodist Church or Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.