Leslie James Kolk

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Leslie James Kolk, age 87, who went to be with his Lord and Savior July 8, 2025. He was a man of many interests and talents and will be remembered affectionately by all who knew him.

Leslie was born in Fremont March 25, 1938 to Harry and Nelly (Eenigenburg) Kolk. He attended Ferris State University and Calvin College. He finished Calvin as a surveyor and began work for Muskegon County Road Commission. He left Muskegon to become the manager of Oceana County Road Commission and retired as the manager of Manistee County Road Commission.

While at Calvin College Leslie met his wife, Sandra Bielema, and they married August 1961. Together they have three children, Bryan (Maggie) Kolk, Lynn (Marc) Veltkamp and Janelle (Alastair) Stevenson. He is remembered lovingly by his grandchildren, Jessi (Bob) Stroven, James (Erica) Greene, Audra and Brett Kolk, Kaitlin (Alex) Cook, Michael Veltkamp, Lauren, Andrew and Ryan Stevenson and 11 great grandchildren.

Leslie was an active and faithful member of churches in Muskegon, New Era, Manistee, and Fremont. He served each church by leading and attending Bible studies and as a member of consistory.  He also served regularly on the New Era Christian School Board. With his humor and wisdom, he was able to assist in leadership, compromise and service.  His life was a genuine example of what it means to be a Christian.

Leslie had an unwavering love for God and for his family. Family dinner was at 5 and he rarely missed that time of fellowship followed by devotions.  He was a great tease so laughter was a constant sound.  He loved a good joke, or even a bad one, especially from Reader’s Digest.  He relished social gatherings with friends or family. He could strike up a conversation with any stranger and usually left them with a smile on their face.

Leslie enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, and golf with his family. Summers often found him on the golf course with friends and family but his favorite times were with his grandchildren.

There will be a time of visiting with the family from 3:00-4:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at First Christian Reformed Church in Fremont , where a Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 PM with Pastor Drew Sweetman officiating.  A livestream of the service will be available at First Fremont CRC YouTube page   (YouTube.com/@FirstFremontCRC1886).  Interment will be at a later date at Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers any memorials for Leslie be sent to support his grandson, Michael, a missionary at Flying H Youth Ranch, 370 Flying H Loop, Naches, WA 98937 (flyingh.org), or to the Fremont Area Community Foundation for the Fremont Christian School Endowment Fund.