Earl Hamelink

Earl Lester Hamelink, 89, of Zeeland, went to his heavenly home on November 21, 2014. After 13 years, he has finally been reunited with the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Alma (DeVries) Hamelink, who passed in June of 2001.

A skilled craftsman, Earl leaves a legacy of beautiful pictures and wooden treasures. For many years, he crafted custom projects like end tables, bird houses, shelves, and the windmill that decorated his yard. His grandchildren will forever cherish the rocking horses, doll high chairs, and toy barns he made for them.

Earl and Alma had traveled extensively across the United States capturing stunning mountain landscapes and other outdoor photography. As a longtime member of Holland Camera Club, he was always on the lookout for unique flowers, interesting barns, and stunning arrays of color. His love of photography was contagious, and his son and daughter carry on his quest to capture the beauty of God's creation.

Earl co-owned Holland Concrete Products from 1951 until 1965. Along with bricks, he built many friendships because of his honest and hard working approach.

Earl is survived by his children and grandchildren Paul and Marilyn Wyrick (Renae Walker, Julie Lemons, Amy Watkins, Steven Hamburg); Elaine VerBurg; Bob and Linda Hamelink (Adam Hamelink); Deb and Allen Hamelink (Melissa Hamelink, Nathan Hamelink); his 5 great grandchildren; and his in-laws Ageline Zylstra, Julia DeVries, Myrtle Graveling, Esther DeVries, Jerry and Myrtle DeVries.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents Abraham and Jenny (Borgman) Hamelink; his brothers and sisters-in-law Pete (Edna) Hamelink, Clarence (Helen) Hamelink, Herman Hamelink, Alvin (Josephine) Hamelink, Willard Hamelink, and Vernon Hamelink; and in-laws Wilhemina and Franklin DeVries, Lambert Zylstra, James DeVries, Melvin Graveling, and Glen DeVries.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 23 from 2-4 pm at Dykstra Funeral Home; 295 Douglas Ave. The funeral service is Monday, November 24 at 11 am at Beechwood Church; 895 Ottawa Beach Rd.

Contributions may be made in Earl’s memory to Hospice of Holland.