Pep & Shirley Nagelkirk

Preston (“Pep”) and Shirley Nagelkirk of Zeeland passed away after 72 years of marriage. Shirley, 90, died on March 1, 2023, and Pep, 92, on March 6, 2023. Both were residents of Appledorn Care Facility in Holland. Pep was born to Frank and Gertie (Timmer) Nagelkirk of Zeeland. He graduated from Drenthe middle school. After a few years of working for area farmers, he gained employment with Herman Miller at age 16. He eventually transferred to the company’s Model Shop. While serving as a leader for the Model Shop, he also traveled across the U.S and Europe to assist other facilities and to work with designers. During his 42 years at Herman Miller, Pep earned notable awards and recognition. The company’s annual “Pep Award” was named in his honor. Following his retirement, Pep owned and operated his own model shop in Zeeland. In his earlier years, he enjoyed bowling, golf, and travel. He also enjoyed restoring antique tractors and retrofitting equipment. Amidst it all, Pep stood willing and able to help his children and grandchildren on a multitude of home improvement projects. Shirley was born to Bernard and Jennie (Zoerhof) Albers on May 24, 1932. She was a graduate of Holland Christian High School. While her life-long focus was being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she also worked part-time for some 30 years at Zeeland Bakery. Music was one of her greatest passions. She also enjoyed several sports including softball, roller skating, bowling, and golf. Shirley had a heart for others and rarely missed the opportunity to send baked goods or an encouraging note to family, friends, and neighbors. Her contagious laugh and unconditional love will be missed by all. Pep and Shirley were long-time members of North Street Christian Reformed Church in Zeeland where Shirley was a member of the choir and bell choir, and Pep served in various leadership roles. They also were volunteers for various Christian-based organizations. Their strong faith and commitment to each other inspired their family and sustained them throughout their lives. Pep and Shirley’s children (and their spouses) were Robert (Carol) of Zeeland; Martin (Joan) of Applegate; Dennis (Michele) of Holland; and Jill (Bill) Meeuwsen of Zeeland. They were preceded in death by son, Robert; granddaughter, Audrey Meeuwsen; Pep’s brothers, Gordon, and Roger; and Shirley’s brother, Howard Albers. Pep and Shirley’s surviving grandchildren (and great grandchildren) are: Kim Van Ess (Hayden, Seth, Jonah, and Abigayle) of Hudsonville; Dan and Amanda Nagelkirk (Luke, Riley and Connor) of Zeeland; Jason and Kathy Nagelkirk (Michael and Andrew) of Holland; Joel and Stacey Nagelkirk (Parker, Payton and Sawyer) of Zeeland; Richard Nagelkirk of Holland; Paul Nagelkirk of Belfast, ME; Ryan Nagelkirk of Temple TX; Brandon and Katie Nagelkirk (Carter, Grayson, and Isla) of Holland, Grant and Camille Nagelkirk (Mason and Lily) of Eureka, CA; Ellen Meeuwsen of Zeeland; Kyle and Kendall Meeuwsen of Zeeland; and Cory and Elise Meeuwsen of Holland. A funeral service will be held for Pep and Shirley at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 13, 2023, at North Street Christian Reformed Church, 20 East Main Avenue, Zeeland MI 49464. Visiting hours will be 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 12 at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. Memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Mission in Holland (Gateway Mission | Home | Emergency Housing In Holland, Michigan (hopefoundhere.org)). www.yntemafh.com

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Pep & Shirley Nagelkirk

March 6, 2023