Sarah "Carol" Balkema's Obituary
Sarah “Carol” Balkema, age 77, loving mother and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 28, 2018. She was born on July 8, 1940 to Rowen and Kathryn (Stone) Kilcrease in Geneva, AL. On February 17, 1961 she married David “Al” Balkema and they spent 54 happy years together until his passing on December 6, 2015. Carol is a 1958 Graduate of Muskegon High School and returned to college after her kids were in school to earn her Bachelors in Special Education then Masters in Psychology at GVSU. She began her teaching career at Whitehall Schools then to the Reeths Puffer District, starting in special education then as an elementary science teacher. Upon retiring in 2000, she and Al bought a winter home in Nokomis, Florida, in a wonderful community called Terra Cove where she will be dearly missed. In earlier years, Carol and Al enjoyed camping with the family, snowmobiling, skiing, hunting, fishing, traveling to various islands to scuba dive and hosting 4th of July pool parties. They also enjoyed being members at Lincoln Golf Club for many years. Carol was an avid reader, enjoyed driving for the Red Cross, cruising on the pontoon, spending time with family and friends and upon her death, was a donor to Gift of Life. Carol is survived by her children, Eric (Sue) Balkema, Lisa (Matt) Brown, both of Whitehall; grandchildren, Taylor Sikkenga, Nick Balkema, Rachel Balkema, Kassie Brown, Katie (Andrew) Rosema; five great-grandchildren; two older brothers, William (Marilyn) Kilcrease, Herman (Eleanor) Kilcrease; many nieces, nephews, close extended family and many dear friends. A Celebration of Carols Life will take place at The Lee Chapel Family Center, 6291 S. Harvey St. from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, June 4, 2018. For a more lasting memory, donations in Carol’s name can be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Feel free to share a memory with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Sarah "Carol"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sarah "Carol"?
Share a story where Sarah "Carol"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sarah "Carol" you’ll never forget.
How did Sarah "Carol" make you smile?