Date - 1963 -Grand Rapids Press - SHOCK KILLS SCHOOLHEAD - Dies as Radio Falls in Bathtub
Hudsonville - Clarence Sikkema, 46, of Jenison, Hudsonville Public Schools superintendent for the last seven years, was electrocuted Friday night at his home while taking a bath when a radio fell into the tub, Ottawa County sheriff's officers reported.
Deputies said the body was found by the victim's son, Christian, 20, about 5:40 p.m. Mr. Sikkema was alone in the house when the tragedy occurred, officers said.
Efforts by deputies to revive the victim by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation were unsuccessful. Medical Examiner was Dr. Peter VerKaik of Hudsonville. The sheriff's department is investigating the death.
Mr. Sikkema was a native of Grand Rapids. He graduated from Grand Rapids Junior College, received his bachelor degree from Calvin College and his master degree from the University of Michigan.
He started teaching at Godwin High School in 193, then enlisted in the Army Air Force flying cadet program in 1941. He served until 1946 with the Air Force as a flight instructor and squadron commander and returned to Godwin to teach after military duty.
He became principal of Hudsonville High School in 1953 and in 1956 was named superintendent of Hudsonville Public Schools.
Mr. Sikkema was a member of the Congregational Church here and served on its Board of Deacons and taught Sunday school. He was a member of the Hudsonville Lions Club, MEA, Michigan Association of School Administrators and a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserve.
He is survived by his widow, Mary Ellen; four sons, Thomas of Hudsonville, Christian, Armand and Brian, all at home; his mother, Mrs. Christian Sikkema of Grand Rapids and four sisters, Mrs. Guy Lamberts, Mrs. Leon Brudi and Mrs. Neil Byle, all of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. Richard Andringa of Cutlerville.
A memorial service for faculty and students will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the school auditorium. Funeral services will be held at 2 Monday at the Congregational Church, Hudsonville. Burial will be in Georgetown Cemetery.
 

 

Transcriber: ES
Created: 20 April 2009