Robert John Sikkenga

Robert "Bob" John Sikkenga, 85, of Middlebury, Indiana, passed away Sunday, May 30, 2021 at his home. He was born November 9, 1935 in Muskegon, Michigan to John and Effie (Newmyer) Sikkenga.

He married his soul mate, Mary Ann (Bowman) Sikkenga on July 22, 1985.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Sikkenga; daughter, Kyle Kathryn (Tom) Proksch; son, Paul Cameron Sikkenga; and grandchildren, Collin Proksch, Caleb Proksch and Krista Proksch. His parents and two sisters, Carol  Dykman and Wilma  Parker preceded him in death.

Bob graduated from West Michigan Christian High School in 1953 and from Michigan State University with a Master of Arts degree. He served in the United States Army of Occupation, Second Armored Division from 1954 to 1956 in Dexheim, Germany.

Bob taught English Literature and writing in Charlotte, MI and Sexton High School in Lansing, MI. He also served as President of the Lansing Education Association and served as the bargaining agent for teachers in Kalamazoo County, MI. He retired in 1992. After retiring he turned his attention to his two loves: The Bible and writing. He studied the Bible and taught in local churches for over thirty years and published a book of daily meditations, four novels and a book of poetry.

Visitation will be 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Bristol United Methodist Church, 201 S. Division, Bristol, IN. Funeral services will be 12 p.m. Friday at the church with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Gary Lewis will be officiating. Bob will be buried in the historic Bonneyville (Indiana) Cemetery under his and Mary Ann's tombstone which bears the inscription, "books were their living, The Book is their Life." Memorial donations may be made in his memory to, Bristol United Methodist Church. Arrangements with DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City.Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Bob's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.