Francis Fike

Francis Fike, age 89, went to be with his Lord on November 1, at Holland Hospital.
Francis was born in New York State and spent many childhood years on his grandparents’ farm. He attended Duke University for undergraduate studies. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Union Seminary, and then attended Stanford University where he received his PhD in English. He was an English professor at Cornell University and then at Hope College for 31 years until he retired. He authored several books of poetry and was published in a variety of journals.

Francis enjoyed walking, playing classical guitar, writing hymns, watching old westerns on TV, gardening and observing farms and gardens.

He is survived by: his wife Janice Prins Steen Fike; brother Lloyd Fike; children Matthew Fike ’82 and Deborah ’84 (Paul ’82) Brower, stepchildren Todd (Susan) Steen, Amy (Bob) Crow; brother-in-law, Dick (Donna) Prins; Granddaughter Sarah Brower and great-granddaughter Maryam Brower; step-grandchildren Sarah (Ryan) Schreiber, Peter (Anne) Steen, Olivia (Eric) Garvelink, Justin (Tae) Crow, Emily Crow, and 6 step-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his first wife, Joan Fike, and sister, Pauline.