Wilma Mae Koelikamp

Wilma Mae Koelikamp (Scheffers), age 78, of Crown Point, Indiana (formerly South Holland, Illinois) passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on the morning of February 23, 2024. Wilma was born to Richard and Jeannette Scheffers of South Holland, Illinois in 1945. She attended Thornton High School, Trinity College and Central College where she obtained her MRS degree by marrying Theodore Koelikamp in 1966. Wilma worked as an office assistant for Dr. Eytcheson of South Holland in her early married years. While raising her young children, Wilma earned money by hand-crafting items and selling them at craft fairs with her sister Jean. Later, she worked as an insurance agent for Aardema Insurance and then for Citizens Bank. Wilma was an active member of Hillside Community Church where she served in VBS, Sunday School, and Bible Study. She and her husband were regular volunteers at Every Child Ministries which supports children in Africa. Wilma enjoyed hosting gatherings for her large extended family and friends at her home and cottage on Bruce Lake. Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Fourth of July were her favorite holidays to host, making meals and gathering loved ones around her beautifully set tables. Wilma's purpose in life was loving her grandchildren. She was often quoted as saying, "If I had known grandkids were so much fun, I would have had them first!" After her retirement, she had a full social calendar attending every activity and event in which her grandchildren participated, sitting on her chair labeled, "Grandkid Fan Section." She played a crucial role in raising her grandkids by giving them frequent sink baths and plentiful snuggle hugs. Crafting, baking, board games, playing in the sand, and reading books occupied most of her time from the birth of her first grandchild until her final days. Wilma is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ted; three children: Lorrie Barrett, Tim (Krissy) Koelikamp, and Lisa (Ryan) Zimpleman; and eight grandchildren: Brody and Ryder Barrett; Lily and Grace Koelikamp; Bailey, Emma, Maddie and Lila Zimpleman. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 12 p.m. A luncheon to follow at Hillside Community Church. Donations may be made in Wilma's memory to Every Child Ministries, PO Box 810, Hebron, IN 46341. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Wilma Mae Koelikamp

May 30, 1945 - February 23, 2024