Cornelius "Cork" VonkCornelius "Cork" Vonk, 78, went to be with the Lord on May 28th, 2017 from his home and surrounded by family.Cork was born on September 7, 1938, in Carmel, Iowa, the son of Neal and Tillie (Feekes) Vonk.  He had nine loving siblings.  Cork was raised in Carmel, Iowa and was a graduate of Rock Valley High School.  He received a scholarship for music and graduated from Northwestern College, Orange City Iowa,  with a teaching degree.  He later went on to earn a Master's degree in Counseling from Western Michigan University.Cork spent his career working as an educator for the Battle Creek Public School System.  He came to Battle Creek in 1962 and taught 6th grade, at Level Park Elementary, for 3 years, before being asked to be a principal at another elementary school within the district.  He was the principal of Washington Elementary School for 27 years.  He moved to central office and served as Director of Elementary Education for 2 years and then Assistant Superintendent for 4 years.  After "retiring" he spent 12 years doing teacher training with the Battle Creek Public Schools.  He  taught at Olivet College, Olivet, Michigan as part of the Master's program as well as teacher preparation courses at Miller College in Battle Creek.Cork married his beloved wife Linda Popma on June 17, 1961.  They had 4 children; Kim, Kirk, Kyle and Kristin.  Cork and Linda moved to Battle Creek, Michigan shortly after getting married, where they lived and raised their children for 50 years.  Five years ago they moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan where they quickly became active members of their church and established many meaningful relationships.Cork had an earnest and genuine soul and lived his faith.  He taught Sunday school and was involved with music, choir and leadership at both Christ Community Church in Battle Creek and First Church of God in St. Joseph, Michigan.He enjoyed being with his family, mentoring and helping others, working in the yard, fixing things around the house, small scale farming and traveling.  His life was about fostering and nurturing relationships.  He was a peacemaker.   He lived his life in service to others and was always available.  He loved spending quality time with his kids and grandkids.Survivors include his wife Linda, their children Kim (Paul) Eby of Marion, IA, Kirk (Elaine) Vonk of Battle Creek, MI, Kyle Vonk of Coloma, MI and Kristin (Fred) Vance of Westfield, IN.  Grandkids; Nicole Berning, Curtis Harrington, Darrin Eby, Kelsey Vonk, Devin Eby, Will Vance, Sam Vance, Calvin Vance and Lilian Vance.  His siblings Ted Vonk of Grand Rapids, MI, Esther Kats of Rock Valley, IA, Harold Vonk of Ogden, Utah, Ruth Higgins of Broomfield, CO and Ivan Vonk of Woodland, CA.He was preceded in death by older siblings John, Thelma and JoAnne and a younger sibling, Lois.Visitation will be Thursday, June 1st at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M.  A Celebration of Life service  will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday at First Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave.,  St. Joseph, With Rev. David Colp officiating.  Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville.  Memorial donations in Cork's name may be made to First Church of God or .  Those wishing to sign Cork's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.