Nov. 7, 1956 - Dec. 27, 2017 Woodland Calvin A. De Knikker, Cal, his three battle with cancer came to an end, Wednesday, Dec. 27. Born in Sturgis, S. Dakota, Cal moved to Esparto with his family in 1967. He graduated Esparto High School early to join the Navy, Class of 1975. U.S. Navy, 1974-1976, as a Boiler Tech/Fireman Apprentice about the USS Richard S. Edwards, based in Pearl Harbor, HI. He earned two Associate degrees from Yuba College, and studied Criminal Justice at Sacramento State. He married in 1990, started a family and a business in 1991. Upon passing his CA Landscape Contractors exam, created Christian James Executive Services. He retired, April 2017. When asked his occupation, he'd reply, "Gods oldest occupation, landscaper, I tend the gardens". Cal enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, canoeing, but his greatest joy was camping with his boys on Boy Scout outtings. Car camp at Bodega Bay or trekking the Pacific Coast Trail, 50 plus miles over a week period, Cal always had his camera to capture the adventures. He was active in the American Legion, Commander/Past Commander of Yolo Post 77, and East Yolo Post in W. Sacramento before it closed. Given the title "Uncommon Patriot" by Yolo County Board of Supervisors in 1995, for his dedication to recognize veterans of USS Utah, bombed in Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. A founding member of the Yolo County Veterans Coalition; he was the go to man for raffle prize donations. Selfless work for local POW/MIA heroes who have not come home; they're not forgotten. Past Chaplain for USS Richard S. Edwards Association. "Your best bet, hire a Vet" was his motto in life. He was proud to serve and well liked through the Veteran community. Assistant Scoutmaster, BSA Troops 464 and 68; each of his boys earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Cal is survived by his wife of 27 years, Christine De Knikker; sons, Christian (Moncerrat), and Jordan De Knikker; parents; brothers, Charles, Colin and Clint (Stephanie) De Knikker; sister, La Retta (Greg) Coulter; several nieces; nephews, and Christines' family. Friends are invited to the graveside service being held on Jan. 10, at 10 a.m., at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, with military honors. Kraft Brothers, in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Cal's name to BSA Troop 464, c/o Jim Niehues, Scoutmaster, 16724 County Road 98B, Woodland, CA 95695.
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Wow, didn't know Cal had passed, same year my mother did as well. I liked him well.
David R Rubes
Friend
December 29, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 17, 2018
Our deepest condolences to everyone in the DeKnikker Family. We have known the family for many years. We knew Cal's Mom & Dad. Cal was a great guy and admired by many for his support of the Veterans and the pride in which he spoke of his wife and sons. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
The Joe Gnoss Family
January 15, 2018
I was knew him and his family in Esparto. Sad to hear he lost his battle with cancer, such an awful disease. My prayers go out to his family. Hugs to all.
Marie Umbay
January 13, 2018
Kali Barnum
January 7, 2018
Kali Barnum
January 7, 2018
My deepest condolences to Calvin's family. May the lord wrap you in peace, comfort and strength at this sad and difficult time
Pauline Dunback Schenck
January 7, 2018
I knew Cal both from Woodland Methodist and The Republican Central Committee. He was a good man with good sons. He will be missed.
David Rubes
January 6, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Deknikker family!! May our good Lord give you His strength and peace to get through all the pain and sorrow!! Calvin was such a handsome , friendly man! He was loved and will be missed by all!! God Bless you all!!
Linda Dutton Anders Hathaway
January 6, 2018
Kind thoughts are with the family in your time of grief. May fond memories bring you comfort during these difficult days. Pslams 9: 9, 10
January 6, 2018
LaRetta Coulter
January 5, 2018
calvin was a great guy. we have lots of good memories watching him grow up to be the great young man that he was. calvin did a lot to help kenny over the years.
i'm not sure of all the right words to say but my heart breaks for all the family.
love you all and prayers and peace.
jeanne han
January 5, 2018
Thank you for working so hard for veterans. God Bless.
Matt Rexroad
January 4, 2018
You were a bright light in this world Cal. Prayers for all.
Bruce and Suzy Tadlock
January 4, 2018
Calvin would always tease me about being a "liberal" and I would tease him about being a "conservative". He was kind and generous. He will be missed. My sympathies to his family and friends.
Sheryl Sullivan
January 4, 2018
Roberta (Bitty Kelley) Martin
January 4, 2018
Roberta (Bitty Kelley) Martin
January 4, 2018
Roberta (Bitty Kelley) Martin
January 4, 2018
I met Cal when I was visiting Woodland. He was working on this gorgeous yard. I asked for his business card and he came over to my house in Davis to access my yard. It took extensive work because it was only dirt because the bamboo had to be treated. We became instant friends. He'd bring his little boys (now men) over to help him work. I'll always miss his laughter and jokes. Cal alwats worked hard and gave more.
My heart is broken.
Victoria Napolitano
January 4, 2018
Our deepest sympathy for Loretta and the Deknikker family. Our thoughts are with you. The Kuehnau family.
Staci Cordoza
January 4, 2018
Our deepest sympathy for Loretta and the Deknikker family. Our thoughts are with you. The Kuehnau family.
Staci Cordoza
January 4, 2018
I knew Cal thanks to his continuing commitment to Boy Scout Troop 464. I enjoyed several years of working with him at the Shinn Project Pancake Breakfast on Veterans Day, as our scouts served at the breakfast. I appreciated that he formed the Shinn Project, which works to keep POW/MIA status a current talking point, and he personalized this issue by focusing on William Shinn, who was one of the very first Eagle Scouts from 464 way back in 1966. A veteran himself, Cal understood the importance of the scouting program, and how it teaches accountability, service to community, and individual capability. It was always fun to "talk Navy" with him as we compared our time in the service. Fair winds and following seas, Cal!
Karen Gossard
January 4, 2018
My parents , Bob and Jennie Collins , his aunt and uncle always enjoyed his visits and still have his card he gave them . Sincere condolences to the family ! Sincerely George and Lisa Till
Lisa Till
January 4, 2018
There are people throughout your life that make a difference and Calvin was one that the difference was good. Always with a smile ,good story ,weird since of humor full of ideas just didn't have enough time for all of them. Always a friend. Forever missed. Roger and Alberta and family
Roger Burke
January 4, 2018
He was fun, funny, caring, loyal, dedicated, and tireless... Cal worked hard and played hard! Love you guys so much!! Cal, you are not forgotten...
Kali Barnum
January 4, 2018
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors Krafts Funeral Home
January 3, 2018
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