Carol Nykerk ’76

Carol Sue Nykerk, 68, of Holland, MI passed away on December 11, 2022 at her home in Holland.

Carol was born in Holland to Harry and Leona Nykerk on October 21, 1954. She attended West Ottawa schools, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from Hope College, followed by a master’s degree in the same field. She worked as a counselor at Project Rehab in Grand Rapids for a while and then moved to Portland Oregon where she lived for many years. Carol worked at the Multnomah County sheriff’s office designing and implementing rehab programs for inmates. She later returned to Holland to be close to family, and adored her many nieces and nephews and their children who she lovingly teased and showered with gifts. Carol enjoyed crafting and antiquing, and had a booth at Downtown Antiques in Holland. She also had a passion for greyhound rescue dogs, adopting several through the years. To that end, she was also involved with the Allies for Greyhounds organization.

Carol is survived by her sister, Jean ’73 (Scott) Hamberg; brothers, Bill Nykerk and Jim (Rachel) Nykerk, all of Holland, MI, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Leona Nykerk; brother, Thomas Paul Nykerk; sister-in-law, Renee Nykerk, and nephew, Chad Nykerk.

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