Maynard Flikkema

Maynard (Mike) Flikkema, age 92, of Belmont, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023. He was born April 21,1931, in Spijk, the Netherlands, the seventh of thirteen children. Mike emigrated to the United States in 1951, settling in Grand Rapids. Mike served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in West Germany. His military service delayed his career as a tool and die maker. After being discharged from the Army, Mike met the love of his life, Shirley Oele, of Belmont, MI. In October of 1957, they married, and built a life together that would last over 65 years. Three boys completed their family. Mike worked as a tool and die maker for Keeler Brass for 40 years. After retirement, he worked at the West Michigan Whitecaps for their inaugural season and several seasons following. Mike volunteered for the Red Cross and worked for the Grand Rapids Police Department as a handicap parking enforcement volunteer. Mike was an avid tennis player, golfer, and cribbage player, but most of all he cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived and loved by his wife, Shirley, and his children: Jeffrey (Brenda Benham), David, and Bob (Faith Shotts-Flikkema.) He loved their 8 grandchildren; Michael (Tania), Katie (Gleb), Brittany (Mike), Blake (Lauren), Ian (Megan), Raegan (Kellen), Sean (Lydia), Jadon, and 8 great-grandchildren, as well as his brothers, Dick Flikkema (Fran), Menco Flikkema (Jannie), Klaas Flikkema (Trijn) Hans Flikkema (Miranda); and sister, Johanna Kloosterhof (Klaas); and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 11 am at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, MI with Pastor Bruce Wilson, Plainfield Comm. Church, officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family one hour prior to service at the funeral home, from 10-11 am. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to ProMedica Hospice.