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BORN
09/10/1959
DIED
01/08/2026
Michael Stolk Obituary
Michael James Stolk-known to most simply as Mike-was more than just a man; he was a force of nature wrapped in kindness. Standing 6'2", he had a presence you felt the moment he walked into a room. He could swing a hammer with the strength of a giant, yet offer a hug so grounding that, for a moment, the whole world felt safe.
Carpentry wasn't just a trade for Mike-it was a calling. His work lives on across Michigan in places such as EagleCrest, John Ball Zoo, and the historic Durant Hotel. Every project bore his signature blend of skill, pride, and a stubborn devotion to doing things the right way.
Yet more than the buildings he shaped, it was the people he met who remember him most. Mike never stepped onto a job site without leaving with at least one new friend. He had a gift for making strangers feel like old buddies and old buddies feel like family.
To know Mike was to know generosity, humor, and a rare steadiness. He was the one you called when something broke, when you needed advice, or when life felt too heavy. He showed up. His laugh, his hugs, the sawdust he carried with him, and the faint smell of gasoline on his Carhartts are the things that will echo in the hearts of those who loved him.
Mike found joy in the simple rituals of life-antiquing, Christmas traditions, deer hunting-and in the loyal companionship of his dogs, especially Barton, who rarely left his side.
Mike leaves behind his wife, Denise Stolk; his children, Jennifer Brunges (Alan), Sarah Cooke, Garrett Cooke, and Liz Milligan (Brendan); and his beloved grandchildren, Ethan, Mackenzie, Kobe, Landon, Maryanna, Parker, Conrad, Avery, Abby, Brogan, and Lochlyn. He is also survived by his siblings, Marc (Linda), Janice (Jim), Lynne, Kim (Rob), and Michelle (Gerry); and his parents-in-law, Duane and Betty Pennington.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marinus and Peggy Stolk, and by his son-in-law, Eric TenHoor.
In his final years, Mike faced the challenges of dementia. Though the disease sometimes blurred names and faces, it never dimmed the love he felt-or the love surrounding him. Even on the hardest days, he knew he was loved, cherished, and safe.
For those of us blessed to walk alongside him on this journey: when he couldn't, we could-and we did. Alzheimer's is cruel, but it did not win.
Mike was truly something special. His legacy lives not only in the structures he built across Michigan, but in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know him. His strength, warmth, and unmistakable presence will be remembered for a lifetime.
The family extends special thanks to Trinity Health Hauenstein Neurosciences, Dr. Foley, and Dr. Trevor Wu for their compassionate care.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Mike's honor may be directed to Kids' Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Stolk
Sponsored by The Family.
Bonnie Hartwell
January 16, 2026
Denise and family, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Mike. I feel truly blessed to have known him. Love and prayers for you Denise and family.
Eric Neubecker
January 16, 2026
Denise and Girls,
I am deeply saddened to learn of Mike's passing and wish to extend sincere condolences to each of you. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike at EagleCrest back in the 80's and formed a friendship with him instantly. He helped me build my house and I will always remember all those Saturdays we spent together on that project in 1989, his skilled craftsmanship and his wonderful sense of humor! Even though we had drifted apart in later years, I will always consider Mike a dear friend and he will remain in my memory forever! May he rest in peace for all eternity.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Eric & Judy Neubecker
Dean Martin
January 16, 2026
To Denise, and the entire Stolk families our sincere condolences.
Being next door neighbors to Michael´s parents for many years, we knew what a Special person and man Mike was. May his soul rest in peace. Dean & Kathy Martin
Judy Critchell Wooden
January 15, 2026
I am always saddened to see that one of my Crestview Elementary kids has passed. They were the best group of students and they taught me a lot in those early years of my teaching career. I remember Mike. My condolences to Denise and his family.
Judy Critchell Wooden
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JF
January 14, 2026
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lizzy
January 13, 2026
If you knew my dad - even for five minutes - you probably walked away with a story that didn´t sound real. That was the thing about Mike Stolk. One minute he was saving someone from a heart attack, the next he was building a house with his own two hands. Everyone had a "Mike story," and every one of them was true.
But to me, he wasn´t a legend. He was my dad. I was his little buddy.
My parents planned on having five kids, but after me they were told to close that chapter. My dad, knowing he´d never have a son, told me he taught me everything he would´ve taught a boy - except how to write my name in the snow. I didn´t get that joke until much later, and when I finally did, I could hear him laughing.
He taught me how to shoot a gun. He taught me how to drive - especially how to parallel park - by standing behind the car like a human traffic cone. And honestly, I don´t think he believed in me at all. He´d just stand there, arms crossed, saying, "You´re either going to learn this or you´re going to hit me with that car." Terrifying, but effective.
The last five years were a strange blessing. When he got his diagnosis, I suddenly had more time with him than ever before. My dad was a workaholic, always fixing or building something, so when he couldn´t work anymore, I made up the dumbest projects just to have an excuse to hang out with him. He always knew what I was doing - and he always helped anyway. Those moments became some of my favorite memories.
Even though he never had sons, life gave him grandsons - including my two boys. Every time I was pregnant, he´d smirk and say, "That´s a boy. He´s gonna be born with a hammer in his hand." And of course, he was right.
My oldest looks just like me, and I am - and always will be - the spitting image of my dad. I see him in myself, in my boys, and in my family - even if we don´t always show up for each other the way he did. He left fingerprints on all of us.
My dad lived big, loved big, and helped without hesitation. He made the impossible look easy and the ordinary feel meaningful. More than anything, he made people feel safe. When he walked into a room, you just knew things would get handled.
My dad was a legend. And legends don´t disappear. They live on in stories, in laughter, and in the people they shaped.
Dad, thank you for everything you taught me, everything you gave me, and everything you were. I´ll carry your hammer, your humor, and your heart for the rest of my life
Karen and Ross (Chaney) Bottrill
January 12, 2026
Denise and family, We were so sorry to hear about Mike. Our prayers and deepest condolences are with you and your family. Mike was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I was very privileged to have stood up for you two at your wedding and to be there in the very beginnings of your courtship! Cherish the memories as you lean on our Lord and Savior in the days to come. We love you!
Curt Cookingham
January 12, 2026
What a lose! Mike was my best friend.. I will miss him! Thinking of you guys. Praying to our Lord Jesus the Christ!
Deb (Willmer )Guin
January 12, 2026
Prayers for family and friends. They were a great couple and he will be missed by many.
Daniel B Lusk
January 12, 2026
Please accept my condolences to the Stolk family, loved ones and all who will miss Mike.
Gregory Burmeister & Todd Spencer
January 11, 2026
Our deepest condolences to Denise, Liz, Sarah, Jennifer, and to all of his family. What a kind human being he was. A true gentleman. Sending Peace & Love to you all during this difficult time.
Joe Roger
January 11, 2026
Deepest Condolences to you Denise and extended family. I remember at Creston Big Mike the gentle giant. He was good man. He was 1 of those special human beings.
STEPHEN KIMBALL
January 9, 2026
I am sorry to read where Michael passed! He was always a good guy going all the way back to Creston High school. I pray that you will be blessed with peace and healing in this difficult season!
Cathy and Ron Pierce
January 9, 2026
Sending prayers and our sincere condolences to all of Mike's friends and his entire family during this difficult time.
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