Elaine Joan Sikkenga

Birth date: Jan 14, 1925 Death date: Oct 22, 2017

Elaine Joan Sikkenga, age 92, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2017. She was born January 14, 1925 in Chicago, IL to Thomas and Elna (McInnis) Ballantyne. On February 26, 1957, she married William “Bill” Sikkenga. He preceded her i Read Obituary

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Bonnie Bassett

415w ago

My sympathies to Elaine's family and friends. I worked with Elaine at Twin Lake Elementary, and my son loved her as his third grade teacher. She was a joy to be around, both as a great teacher whom I always appreciated, and as a great friend. She had such a dry sense of humor that you never knew for sure she was kidding.....until you saw that twinkle in her eyes! She touched many lives and we are better for it.
Of course my all time favorite memory of her is how she announced her retirement to all of the Twin Lake teachers. We had all gathered to toast the end of the school year, she asked us to come outside and look to the sky! She had hired a small plane to fly over, pulling the message, "I am retiring"!!! I'll think of her whenever I see a small plane! Love you, Elaine!

John Millard

415w ago

Steve and family, I was saddened to hear about the passing of Elaine from my mom. As you well know, she was a wonderful lady and I learned a lot from her. Over the last couple of days, thought a lot about the yard work I helped her with while I was in high school/college. More importantly, some of the lessons she had thought me. Be independent, travel, do what you love. Still following some of her advice, she was a great friend and really appreciate the time I spent with her. My thoughts are with you all.

Deanne Hinton-Estelle

415w ago

Mrs. Sikkenga was my third grade teacher at Twin Lake El in 1978. We were reacquainted at FBC, and have been in touch through card ministry for the past 5 years. My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones that she leaves behind. I know that she is now in a place where she again can accomplish wonderful works.

Donna Cullen-Benedict

415w ago

I was very saddened to hear of Mrs. Sikkenga's passing. Elaine was a wonderful mentor teacher to me at Twin Lake Elementary. Elaine invited me into her classroom to team teach long before inclusion was even thought of. Elaine shared her expertise, teaching techniques, materials, joy of teaching, and home with all of us at Twin Lake Elementary. We most recently were reacquainted at WLAL, where my Father was also living. We talked and laughed about our past and fun teaching experiences with friends and colleagues under the leadership of our friend Mr. Brichan. Elaine's caring ways were only supercided by her beautiful, yet mischievous smile and chuckle. Elaine loved her family, and my heart goes out to Steve, his family, and all Elaine's relatives. And that bird...Peedro! When Elaine invited me to see her new apartment and there was her longtime friend, I couldn't believe it! The loving devotion between the two of them was undeniable! Elaine was a very special lady. I am happy to have been able to have you in part of my life Mrs. Sikkenga....mentor, colleague, and friend. I will see you again when the bell rings. With love and respect, Donna Cullen- Benedict

Lori Mcelrath-Eslick

415w ago

Very sorry for your family's loss as Elaine was Mom, Mother in law, Grandmother, Cousin, Aunt, Teacher and friend...she has touched many lives. She will be missed. We will be thinking of you all and praying for/with you.

Peace and love to you,
-Lori and Golman Eslick and family.

Petra Forbes

415w ago

We are missing Elaine here at White Lake Assisted Living. Her smile and gentle way endeared her to all of us. She will remain in our hearts. Thoughts and prayers for peace to Steve, family, and friends. ~Petra

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