Obituary: Sikkenga, Harry
Age 86
Harry was born in Amsterdam, Montana on February 4, 1926 to Dirk and Erma (Slate) Sikkenga.
He was the sixth of ten children.
Harry went to be with his Lord on August 6, 2012.
Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Rilla, in 1985; his parents; his sisters, Frances, Carmen, Nina and Laura; and his brothers, Richard, Clarence and Louie.
He is survived by his sister, Peggy Calkins, of Boise, Idaho; his brother, Ken Sikkenga (Betty) of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho; his three daughters, Cheryl Hudon (J.J.) of Boise, Idaho, Charlene Wylie (Mike) of Spokane, Washington and Colleen Bagdon of Athena, Oregon, along with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Although born in Montana, much of his childhood was spent in St. Maries, Idaho, where he attended school through the eighth grade.
Harry returned to Montana, where he worked various farm and ranch jobs before ending up employed at a calcite mine in Clyde Park, Montana.
Harry turned eighteen in 1944, during WWII, and was inducted into the Army in June of that year.
He was sent to Europe as part of the 7th Army’s 42nd Division, where he operated a howitzer.
After his discharge in 1946, he returned to his beloved Montana and worked on a farm with his Dad.
Later, he moved back to St. Maries and began his career as a driver, first of buses and then onto the big trucks, hauling everything from logs to jet fuel.
Harry had a few other jobs, but always returned to the truck, eventually driving for Consolidated Freightways, Pacific Intermountain Express (P. I. E.) and Matlack Trucking companies.
Harry came to embrace what would become a lifelong faith in Jesus and used his gifts as a talented singer and guitar player in church worship.
Harry was always a gentleman……… friendly, appreciative, generous and giving, with a sense of humor to the very end.
After living in the Spokane Valley for nearly 40 years, Harry spent two years at Maplewood Gardens and the final eight months of his life at the Spokane Veteran’s Home, where he received the best of care, for which his family will be forever grateful.
Harry asked that there be no public service and will be buried at Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spokane Veteran’s Home or Union Gospel Mission.
Arrangements entrusted to HAZEN & JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, 1306 N. MONROE ST.