Michael James Stolk, age 66, of Ada, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026, at home with his loving wife by his side, in the home he built for his family.
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 you 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.