photograph
Catalog Number
2020.12.4Description
Black and white photograph showing several people standing in a line. From left to right: Bill Sikkel, in uniform; Ruth Stevens; Mayor Robert Visscher; Ambassador Dr. J.H. Van Roijen; Madame Van Roijen; Jeane Visscher; Dr. Van de Mortel; Mrs. Wm. Lambooy; Dr. Irwin Lubbers; Wm. H. Lambooy..History
Robert Visscher was born in Holland, MI on 10-9-1917 to Raymond Visscher and Vivian Merithew Hand. Robert died in Holland, MI on 5-10-1993. His wife Jeane was born in 1918 and died in 2008.Bill Sikkel was born in Holland Michigan on November 25, 1920 to Peter and Maggie (Tymes) Sikkel. He was raised there and graduated from Holland Christian High in 1938.
Sikkel joined Holland's Company D, 126th Infantry on his 18th birthday. He was part of the famous crossing of the Owen Stanley Mountains in the New Guinea Campaign.
In 1946, Sikkel was asked by the governor of Michigan to reorganize and serve as captain of the Holland Unit of Company D, 126th Infantry. After 32 years of service, he retired a Lt. Colonel from the Army of the United States and the Michigan National Guard.
Bill's political career began when he was elected mayor of the City of Holland. He served from 1983 to 1987.
William A. Sikkel passed away on 1-3-2013