Raymond Richard Sikkenga

Raymond Richard Sikkenga, 89, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Villa of Winston in Marshall, Michigan.

Raymond was born on August 16th, 1934, to parents Henry L. and Helen P. (Reed) Sikkenga in Kalamazoo Ml. Raymond graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1954 and went on to graduate with a BA from Western Michigan University in 1958.

He married his first wife Miriam “Jem” Edwards, in 1958, in Monroe Michigan, together they had three sons; David Sikkenga, Steven Sikkenga and Paul Sikkenga.  In 1962 Raymond received his Master of Arts from Western Michigan University. Raymond was employed as a history and government teacher for Lakeview School District and retired in 1989. He also worked at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care from 1988 to 2007. Jem preceded him in death on October 6, 2006.  In 2007, he married his former high school classmate, Reta L. (McLauchlin) Sikkenga who passed away on May 9, 2018.  Raymond is survived by his two sons, David (Shari) Sikkenga of Hudsonville, MI, Steven (Lisa) Sikkenga of High Point, N.C. a daughter-in-law, Teri Sikkenga of Lowell, MI; six grandchildren, Stephanie Sikkenga, Daniel Sikkenga, Matthew Sikkenga, Katelynn Sikkenga, Ryan Sikkenga and Tyler Sikkenga.  In addition to his wives, Ray was also preceded in death by his parents; a son, Paul Sikkenga on February 8, 2021, a brother, Carl (Jeanette) Sikkenga and a sister, Janice (Bob) Tripp. 

Raymond was a longtime member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, where he was involved for years.  He was also a member of Dowagiac United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed singing in the Battle Creek Community Chorus.  Ray was a member of the Cereal City Chapter of the SPEBSQSA, and taught in the Institute for Learning in Retirement.  He was skilled in woodworking and loved history.

Friends will be received from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 24, 2023 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 24.  Interment will follow at Floral Lawn and Memorial Garden. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/3907202.  Memorial contributions may be made to Dowagiac United Methodist Church or Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.  Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral & Cremation Care. Personal messages can be placed at www.FarleyEstesDowdle.com