Henry John Nykamp was born on January 7, 1934 to Gerrit and Gertie (Vos) Nykamp in Osborne Township – Pipestone County, MN.  He attended Edgerton Christian Elementary and received his high school diploma during his 2 years of military service of which he spent 17 months as a mechanic stationed in Germany. 

Henry married Barbara Schelhaas on August 12, 1958 at the Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton, MN.  They farmed southeast of Edgerton until 1986, when they moved off the farm to a house east of Edgerton.  Henry continued to farm throughout his entire life.  They were blessed with 5 children.  On April 12, 2014, Henry entered the hospital with complications from lung cancer.  Henry finished his life’s journey and entered into heavenly rest on Friday, April 18, 2014 at the age of 80 years, 3 months, and 11 days.

Henry was a lifetime member of First CRC in Edgerton, MN where he served two terms as both an elder and a deacon.  He also served on the boards of Edgerton Christian Elementary, Southwest Christian High School and on Edgerton Farmer’s Co-Op for 12 years.   Farming was his profession as well as his passion.  Each year he eagerly looked forward to planting and new calves in the spring and the blessings of a good harvest in the fall.  He and Barb enjoyed 18 years of spending time in Texas during the winter months.    During each winter they enjoyed time with their “Texas” friends, square dancing, and volunteering each week at Stuart Elementary School and PET (Personal Energy Transportation) Program. 

Henry was loved and respected by his children and grandchildren.  A kind and wise man, Henry led others by his humble example of a Godly life.  He loved a good laugh with his family and was always a source of encouragement during difficult times.  He was an involved father and grandfather who never missed an opportunity to support his family.

Henry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara, of Edgerton, Minnesota; children, Davonne (Blair) Wegener of Edgerton, Minnesota, Ron (Thea) Nykamp of Edgerton, Minnesota, Verlyn (Lisa) Nykamp of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dawn Rynders of Chanhassen, Minnesota, and Brent (Anita) Nykamp of Orange City, Iowa; sister, Marianne (Wes) Westenberg of Edgerton, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.  Henry was preceded in death by his parents; and son-in-law Eric Rynders.