June Elaine Walcott

June Elaine Walcott
November 5, 1928 - March 21, 2025
June Elaine Walcott, age 96, of Holland, formerly of Muskegon, entered her heavenly home on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the University of Michigan Health West hospital.
Born on November 5, 1928, in Cicero, Illinois, June was the beloved daughter of John and Minnie Heerdt. She grew up alongside her siblings, Marcia (Ken) Mels of Orland Park, Illinois, and Robert (Mary) Heerdt of Philadelphia. After graduating from Chicago Christian High School, she earned a teaching degree from Calvin College. She taught elementary school for a year before marrying the love of her life, Elmer Walcott, on August 5, 1949. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised five children in Muskegon.
June was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She embraced her role as Elmer's biggest supporter as he taught and coached at Western Michigan Christian High School. Over time, she became an avid basketball fan and developed a lifelong love for sports. But above all, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family-celebrating holidays, camping, traveling the country on summer vacations, and cherishing days at the cottage.
Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. A longtime member of Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church, she shared her love for the Lord by leading Bible studies and a Bible club in the Muskegon public schools. Her kindness, wisdom, and servant's heart touched many.
Even in her later years, June remained active and full of life. She spent over 20 years enjoying water aerobics before learning Tai Chi, and even taught the classes at her assisted living center until the week of her passing. A lifelong learner, she loved reading, solving puzzles, playing Wordle, and engaging in friendly (but competitive) games.
June always expressed gratitude for the life she was given, and her legacy of faith, love, and joy will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Elmer Walcott; her son, Rick Walcott; son-in-law, Ken Schemper; and brother-in-law, Ken Mels.
June is survived by her children: Barb Schemper of Grandville; Dan (Kathy) Walcott of Holland; John (Katch) Walcott of Grand Rapids; Tom (Jaci) Walcott of Grandville; and daughter-in-law Deb (Steven) Howe of Reed City. She was a cherished grandmother to 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Her life was a blessing, and her memory will be treasured forever.
Memorial services are planned for 11:00 am Wednesday, March 26, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th Street, Holland. The burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 25, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Resonate Global Mission. Condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com