Andrew J Sikkema, age 90, and known as Andy to all his friends, acquaintances, and customers of Elm Creek, passed away on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. Andy was born the son of Andrew K and Mary E. (Newberry) Sikkema on April 22, 1934, in Hubbardston, Michigan. He married Marjean Winchell on August 13th,1955 in Homer Michigan, and she survives him. Andy served his country with the US Army during the Korean War. He had worked for Dow Chemical as a Chemical Engineer and Construction Representative as his career. During his career, Andy also was a licensed builder and established Elm Creek Estates where he built many homes. Andy and Marjean also developed Beech Tree Estates in Farwell. Andy and Marjean, as well as their daughter and son in law, Janice and Michael Jenkins established Elm Creek Ltd, outside of Farwell which continues in operation today. Andy was very active in the Farwell community. He was a member of the Farwell area Chamber of Commerce and Farwell Area Historical Museum. He was active as a Coach and Umpire for the Farwell Little League, as well as being heavily involved with the Farwell Area Schools and School Board meetings. He was well known for being a giving person and loved to socialize everywhere he went.
Many of Elm Creek’s vendors and customers have fond memories of their conversations with Andy over the years. While helping customers, Andy was well known for his infectious laugh, gregarious attitude, and his larger-than-life presence. Andy retired from actively working at Elm Creek many years ago but loved visiting with and meeting many old vendor friends and customers whenever he was able. Later in his life, Andy loved working in his wood working shop in the winter months and in his Apple Orchard and garden in the spring and summer months. He was very well known for harvesting his fruits and vegetables and then giving them away to the local community. In fact, to this very day, we are learning of the many visits he would make to people just to share the fruits of his labor. Andy loved building and construction, working in his garden, renovating old cars and tractors, and especially spending time with family and friends.
Andy is survived by his wife, Marjean, his children, Andrew M. and Laura Sikkema of Marquette and Janice and Mike Jenkins of Farwell, his Son-In-Law, John Jenkins of Menominee, his grandchildren, Andrew P Sikkema and Jessica Beauchamp of Massachusetts, Erin Sikkema and Darryn Adams of Marquette and Daniel and Maegan Jenkins of Clare, and Great Grandchildren, Tanner, Samantha, Nash, Savannah, and one expecting. Andy also leaves behind many close friends and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deann Jenkins in 2020, his parents, and his brother, Meredith Sikkema.
A memorial visitation to celebrate his life is scheduled to be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 10 AM until 12 noon at the Farwell Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. Following the celebration, he will be interred in the Surrey Twp. Cemetery with Military Honors. A reception will be held at the Clare-Farwell American Legion Post 558 following the cemetery service. Please visit Andy’s Tribute Page at the website, www.stephensonwyman.com where you may leave his family online condolence messages.
