Willem Sinkeldam

Willem C. Sinkeldam (85) of Rochester, MN, died on August 14, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Marys. He was cared for by his wife at home for many years before passing away due to stroke related issues.

Willem Cornelis Sinkeldam was born August 8, 1939, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to Johannes and Adriana Sinkeldam. He was one of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents and 6 siblings. Survivors include his wife, Ina Sinkeldam, his daughter, Sara (Steven) Schleicher, two grandchildren: Owen and Sofie Schleicher and his brothers: Jan Sinkeldam of Belgium and John Sinkeldam of Florida. He also has many nieces and nephews in the U.S. and abroad.

At the age of 14, Willem worked at IBM in Amsterdam while going to night school for Fine Mechanical Engineering. He also lived and worked in Switzerland before deciding to immigrate to the United States in 1965. He lived in Florida with his brother Casey and eventually moved to Rochester, MN, to work for IBM. In 1967, he married his wife Ina (nee Mougin) and together they raised their daughter here in Rochester.

Willem or "Bill" retired from IBM in 1992, and in 1997, he and his wife relocated to Grand Marais, MN. They enjoyed 18 years of retired life exploring the North Shore. Bill's hobbies were photography and making stained glass. He even created a darkroom in two of his homes. Bill and Ina returned to Rochester in 2015 to be closer to family.

Bill was a member of St. Pius Catholic Church in Rochester and St. John's Catholic Church in Grand Marais. When he was house-bound and unable to attend church, he was cared for spiritually by his daughter who loved to share the Word of God with him.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The family would like to thank the staff at Samaritan Bethany for the care he received in Rehabilitation and in Long Term Care. Also thank you to the many nurses and doctors at Mayo Clinic who cared for our dearest Dad and husband.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral homes is honored to be serving the Sinkeldam family.