Sidney Harkema

On March 18, 2025, Sidney Harkema was called to his heavenly home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born January 27, 1937 to the late Steven and Renske Harkema. He will be lovingly remembered by Elizabeth Harkema, his dear wife and only consort. They will be reunited someday under the auspices of their heavenly Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Preceding him in death were his sisters Joan VanderWey, Tina Vunderink, and Ann Renkema; son-in-law, Robert Faber (Ria); and infant granddaughter, Michelle Faber. Sid is survived and will be missed by his children and grandchildren: Ria Faber (Dave and Elisabeth Faber, Kim and Randy Kuiper, and Eric and Katie Faber); Steve and Bev Harkema (Nathan, Scott, Lauren, and Joel and Kelly Harkema); Ellen and Dale Biros (Jessica Biros, Elizabeth and Hunter Hall, and Matthew Biros); Susan and Todd Jeurink (Chris and Meaghan Jeurink, Drew Jeurink, and Sydney and Kota Sanders); and Lisa Harkema and Rich Owings (Simone and Tadd McDivitt and Cole Owings). He leaves behind eight great-grandchildren. He is survived by two sisters Janet Bakelaar and Betty (William) Hordyk.

Sid Harkema graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School, attended Calvin College, and then proudly served in the U. S. Army National Guard for six years.

He made the gardening industry his lifelong ambition. He was president, CEO, and chairman of the board of Fruit Basket Flowerland. In his various pursuits, he was on the board of directors of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park for eight years and served two years as board chairman. He also served on the board of the Frederik Meijer Foundation. Sid served on a number of garden industry related committees and traveled around the country to fulfill speaking engagements. Sid also served as secretary of the Georgetown Township Economic Development Committee and was intricately involved with the start-up phase of the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce. Sid served in various capacities on church committees at Fellowship Church in Traverse City and served as elder of Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be given to Fellowship Church of Traverse City or Calvin University. Interment will be at Georgetown Cemetery. The family welcomes friends, relatives, and acquaintances from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan 49418 and from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, March 22 at Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church, 1571 Baldwin St., Jenison, Michigan 49428. The memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. and will be officiated by Rev. Jon Flikkema and Rev. Jim Holwerda. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.