Theadore "Ted" Sikkenga's Obituary
Ted, age 68, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 11,2025. He was born and raised in Muskegon, MI, and graduated from Muskegon High School in 1975. He was proud to be a Big Red. He worked at Amstore as a cabinet maker until 1997. He was a member of Muskegon Eagles #668, where he at one point served as president and was a Golden Eagle member.
Ted was truly a big-hearted man, not only because of his love and passion for life, but also due to his 27-year run with Congestive Heart Failure. However, this did not keep him from doing the things he wanted and loved to do.
Ted enjoyed feeding his birds, squirrels, rabbits and any other hungry critter that came along. He would sit on the back patio and watch them eat and squawk. His love of sports ran deep; he was a die-hard Lions fan, avid bowler, golfer and pool shooter. He enjoyed spending time with his buddies and listening to music. He was a true music connoisseur and especially enjoyed the Blues, Led Zeppelin, and his all-time favorite Billy Jean! He and Anita would dance in the living room listening to music, day and night or until the cops came and made them turn it down. Once they’d left he would turn it right back up again.
Riding his Harley was another all-time favorite, mostly because he got to hang out with his friends. He was such a social butterfly and always had something to say or laugh about.
Ted’s family was his deepest love, greatest joy and greatest accomplishment. Ted leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years Anita (Sweets); two children, Lydia Bailey and Jacob Sikkenga; favorite daughter in-law, Tiffany Sikkenga; six grandchildren: Hayleigh and Logan Hunt, Makenzie Jolman, Ethan Tennant, and Kieran and Penelope Sikkenga; brother, Frederick (Reisa) Sikkenga; brothers in-law: Scott (Nancy) Ware, Kevin (Marcia) Ware, and Todd (Teresa) Ware; father in-law, Nathan (Lynda) Ware; stepfather in-law, Bill Sohasky; stepsister, Shelly Doyle; along with many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and his faithful guard dog, Dolly, as well as his sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou; father, Jack; mother in-law, Lynn; stepmother, Darlene; and stepbrother, Stan.
Although we are feeling his loss, we are comforted that he is no longer suffering. The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses that took such wonderful and compassionate care of Ted during his illness.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Muskegon Fraternal Order of Eagles #668 (621 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440). Make sure to bring your dancing shoes and memories to share. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444.
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