Edwin George Kolk, 81, of Fulton, IL, died on May 31, 2016, at his home in Fulton, following a battle with cancer.
Ed was born on October 27, 1934, in Clinton, IA, the second son of Harry and Jennie (Flikkema) Kolk. He grew up in Fulton and finished at Fulton High School in the class of 1952. Following graduation, Ed delivered milk for Goodenough Dairy. In 1957, he was drafted into the U. S. Army, trained as a medical lab technician, and served primarily in Stuttgart, Germany. Following that service obligation, he began working in research at Clinton Corn Processing Company and continued in lab work throughout his career. He retired from Archer Daniels Midland in 1999. As a second career, he and his wife owned River Huis Traders Antiques in downtown Fulton.
Ed married Nancy Kamphuis in Second Reformed Church in Fulton on May 31, 1957. Following Ed’s Army service, they lived the rest of their lives in Fulton. They had two daughters, Gina and Heidi, and Ana, an AFS daughter from Natal, Brazil. He was the devoted grandfather to Jon Thomas Walsh, Liliana Jennie Walsh, and Duke Harrison Walsh.
As a child, Ed loved to read encyclopedias, and his curiosity for discovering new things and ideas lasted his entire life. Ed and Nancy traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Ed would take months off from work for them to travel to Europe. They taught their daughters the beauty of travel and the happiness in finding kindred spirits in other parts of the world. Although Ed cherished his friends in distant lands, his paradise was his home on the Mississippi River. He loved to work in the garden, monitor boat traffic, watch the wildlife, teach the next generations about family traditions, and create good memories for his grandchildren. Ed had a joy of music learned from his parents and his grandfather, John Flikkema, and he taught his daughters to break into song at any time. He enjoyed attending concerts, both classical and rock. He also spent many summer nights at Clinton LumberKings baseball games. His father taught him the pure pleasure of grandchildren and how to appreciate the quirks of various people. Ed truly believed in the power of family, friends, and community.
Ed was active in Fulton community activities. He belonged to the Fulton Lions Club and AFS. He served on the boards of the Community Fund, Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Fulton Retail Development, and Fulton Zoning. He was a volunteer miller at “de Immigrant” windmill in Fulton since the mill opened in 2000. He trained under Master Miller Derk Jan Tinga from Groningen, the Netherlands, and they formed a friendship so strong that many called Derk Jan his Dutch son.
Survivors include daughters, Gina Kolk (Thomas Walsh) of Oak Park, IL, and Heidi Kolk of Oak Park/Fulton, AFS daughter Ana Maria da Camara Silva; three grandchildren, Jon, Lili, and Duke Walsh all of Oak Park; sisters-in-law, Carol Kolk, Fulton, and Judy Zuidema, Morrison, IL; three nephews, Kevin, Dan, and Mike Kolk; two nieces, Lisa (Zuidema) Seaman and Amy (Zuidema) Venhuizen of Morrison.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and one brother, Robert John Kolk.
Per Ed’s wishes, there will be no service or visitation.
Cremation rites will be accorded.
The Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers or food gifts to the family, Ed would instead like mourners to sing a favorite rock song, hymn, or show tune while smiling and dancing.
Memorial donations may be made to the cultural exchange programs at the Fulton Windmill Area, at FOW, P.O. Box 187, Fulton, IL, 61252.