Howard Ray Nunnikhoven was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on October 18, 1950. He died at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, WA on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
Howard attended Oskaloosa Christian grade school and graduated from Pella Christian High School. He furthered his education at Dordt University, where he met Bev. He graduated in 1972. Howard loved music and sang in his high school choir, the Dordt concert choir and he also sang with his brothers and for special events.
Howard and Bev were married on October 27,1972 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. They were blessed with 3 children: Jeremy, Jill and Joel, all born in Oskaloosa. Howard worked for Bloom Supply Company and Farm Service Company. He loved living close to his family farm and especially enjoyed harvest with his Dad and brother Allen.
In 1984, Howard and Bev moved their family to Lynden, Washington where they operated Nunnikhoven Landscape Maintenance for 30 years. Following landscaping, Howard worked for Farmers Equipment for 10 years. Later in life, Howard discovered a new hobby of tractor restoration and tractor pulling. He owned many Farmall Tractors and was very involved with the local Puget Sound Tractor Association.
Howard, Bev and their children attended Bethel Christian Reformed Church where Howard served as an elder and deacon.
Howard is survived by his wife, Beverly. Children Jeremy (Jennifer) Nunnikhoven, Jill (Toby) Janzen and Joel (Brittani) Nunnikhoven. Grandchildren Carson (Libby) Janzen, Jadyn (Isaak) Flynn, Landon Janzen, Jessica (fiancé Eli) Nunnikhoven, Jacob Nunnikhoven, Presley Nunnikhoven, Oakley Nunnikhoven, Jase Nunnikhoven and Mercie Nunnikhoven. Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Abe and Harriet Nunnikhoven and brothers Carl and Allen Nunnikhoven. He is survived by sisters Marcella (Phil) King and Alice (Bob) Van Wyk.
Memorials may be given to the Puget Sound Antique Tractor Club endowment foundation.
A private family visitation will be Monday, February 10, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. followed by burial in Greenwood Cemetery at 1:15 p.m. The memorial service will be at Bethel Christian Reformed Church at 2 p.m. the same day.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Howard, please visit our floral store.

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Obituary published on Legacy.com by My Bellingham Now on Feb. 3, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Nunnikhoven

1 Entry

Warren Westad

April 9, 2025

I was introduced to Howard by Otto Bouma in 1987. I was the property manager for Otto and Howard did all the landscaping. It was a joy and pleasure to work with Howard over the years both working together to provide the best possible management and maintenance of several properties that Otto owned. We became friends and Howard always set an example of being a man of hard work and integrity. He encouraged me to be the very best I could be in all walks of life. Howard, you were a great friend and will be missed. Rest in peace!

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Memorial Events
for Howard Nunnikhoven

Feb

10

Service

1:15 p.m.

Greenwood Cemetery

605 E. Wiser Lake Rd. Lynden, WA 98264

Feb

10

Service

2:00 p.m.

Bethel Christian Reformed Church

1105 Liberty St Lynden, WA 98264

Funeral services provided by:

Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Lynden

202 Front St., Lynden, WA 98264

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