Hendrik Willem “Bill” Wikkerink, aged 84, of Listowel, Ontario, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Bill is survived by his wife, Klaske “Carol” (nee DeBoer), who is currently residing at Huronlea Retirement Home in Brussels. Bill was surrounded by and shared a great deal of reminiscing and love with friends and family in the days leading up to his passing.
Born on April 4, 1940 in Aalten Gelderland, Netherlands– the eighth child of fourteen to his parents Hendrik (1900-1967) and Willemina (1904-2000) Wikkerink on their Dairy Farm which was located very close to the border of Germany. Siblings from eldest to youngest Geziena Berendina b.1929- d.2007 (Dick Kempe d.), Lina Frederika b.1931-d.2019 (Hans Visser), Jan Hendrik b.1932 (Janny Vander Wekken), Janna Aleida b.1934-d.1934, Arent Jan b.1935 (Stella Thompson d.), Janna Aleida b.1936 (Liekel Van Huizen d.), Gerrit Hendrik b.1938 (Gertie Faber), Johan Hendrik b.1941 (Trudy Reuser), Johan Gerhard b.1943 (Grace Kostelijk d.), Albert Hendrik b.1945-d.1945, Albert Hendrik, b.1946-d.1965, Willemina Hendrika b.1948 (Andries Renema), and Beatrix Wilhemina b.1952 (Rick Esselink d.).
The Wikkerink Family emigrated to Canada by way of ship (The Waterman) on April 15, 1953, where they landed in Halifax, NS and moved on to Taber, Alberta. Five years later they moved further West to British Columbia.
In 1976 Bill then moved East to Newmarket, Ontario which is where he was first introduced to Carol. Bill and Carol were married on July 16, 1977 and settled on their farm, just West of Listowel, where they would live and farm for the next 47 years.
Bill integrated into the DeBoer family very quickly, earning the love and respect from Carol’s siblings. Carl (Wilma d.), Jane d. (Keith d.), Jacob (Angela), Susan (Martin), where he forged strong and lifelong relationships. Bill is survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and neighbours. Bill will forever be remembered as a kind and gentle Christian man, with inherent wisdom. By virtue of his very being, he touched us all in his own unique ways and each of us are better people for it.
Visitation will be held on at Eaton Funeral Home, 385 Main Street West, Listowel on Thursday, November 21st from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM.
Bill’s funeral service will be held at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 345 Eliabeth Street East, Listowel on Friday, November 22nd at 11 AM, followed by a luncheon and fellowship. Interment Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
The family has requested that anyone wishing to make a donation, do so to the Bethel Christian Reformed Church where Bill and Carol were members, or in their name, to a charity of your choice – with thanks.
