Henry Houkes

Hendrik “Henry” Houkes, age 93, of Walker, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He was preceded in his death by his loving wife of 53 years, Carol; parents Luitzen and Geertje Houkes; and siblings and their spouses Jan Houkes, Wiebe (Janna) Houkes, Wietske (Wietse) Middlebos, Annie (Geert) Pranger, Roelof (Annie) Houkes, Thom (Grietje) Houkes, Marie (Jitse) Hofma, Ge’ (Piet) Schoon, Jan (Jantje) Houkes, and Jitske (Tuenes) van de Veld. He is survived by his daughters Heidi (Kenneth) Huizinga and Suzette (Robert) Foll; grandchildren Jacob and Luke Foll, Kenneth Jr., Isaac, Lia, and Zoe Huizinga; and great-grandson, Zayn McCune. He is also survived by his sister, Sietske Sinkgraven, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Henry was born in Bovensmilde, Netherlands. At the age of 24, he made the decision to immigrate to the United States of America, a land he saw with endless opportunity. Soon after arriving, he was drafted into the US Army. He went on to build a successful concrete business that spanned over six decades. His craftmanship remains a part of countless homes and buildings in West Michigan.

Henry was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was loved by all who knew him. He exemplified an unparalleled work ethic, and he loved God, his country, watching birds, gardening, fishing, hunting, and hymns. He prayed unceasingly for those he loved and thanked God every single morning for blessing him with a new day; his heart was full of immense gratitude. His steady presence, words of wisdom, and unconditional love leave an enduring example that won’t be forgotten. Though he will be greatly missed, we celebrate the fact that he is strong and healthy with his Savior in Heaven.

Henry’s family will greet visitors from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2025, at Berean Baptist Church, 1574 Coit Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, with a funeral to follow at 12 p.m. Pastor Jim Howard will be officiating. Henry’s family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online. Contributions in his memory may be made to Mel Trotter Ministries or Berean Baptist Church.