Kimberly Kay (Bowkamp) Norman

Kim’s life story ended with her husband and sister at her side. She peacefully breathed her final breath on earth and was welcomed into Heaven on April 18, 2025.

Her story began on June 20, 1960, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her parents, Jim and Mikki Bouwkamp, brought her home to Coopersville, where she lived with her sisters, Robin and Jackie, throughout her childhood and teenage years. The three became best friends—celebrating life’s joys and lifting each other up through its challenges. In those early years, Kim was a quiet and shy child with beautiful, bouncy brown curls. She loved playing house and, even then, showed deep nurturing instincts while caring for her doll babies.

Kim began forming lasting friendships at a young age—many of which she maintained throughout her life. She attended Allendale Christian School, spent her freshman year at Coopersville High School, and then transferred to Unity Christian High School. It was at Unity where she truly found her voice. She became a cheerleader, served on Student Council, and was elected senior class president. Kim emerged as a confident, outgoing young woman with a strong sense of purpose and a passion for the causes she believed in. She formed deep bonds with a group of close-knit friends—her beloved “Unity Girls”—and they remained a tight circle, sharing dinners and girls’ trips for decades.

In 1980, while working at a residential treatment home, Kim met her future husband, Steve. The two were married on May 5, 1984, and together they opened their hearts and home to foster four teenage boys. Kim and Steve shared a deep love for nature and adventure. They enjoyed hiking, skiing, snorkeling, and soaking in the beauty of the outdoors. Kim, full of energy and rarely one to slow down, found peace and clarity during these quiet moments in nature with Steve.

One of the most meaningful parts of Kim and Steve’s life together was contributing to the raising of two of Kim’s nieces, a role they took on with unwavering love and commitment. Under their care and guidance, the girls grew into confident, compassionate women, each going on to build families of their own. Kim adored her five “Nana kids,” who brought immense joy into her life.

Kim began her professional career as a paraprofessional with Comstock Park School where she dedicated herself to serving teens in Special Education. She developed numerous Community Based Instruction programs that were modeled by other districts. Kim advocated tirelessly for youth in the community and was honored by being given the Educator of the Year Award. Kim ended her career as the Regional Transitions Coordinator for North View Special Education.

Wherever she went, Kim built meaningful relationships. Her warmth and sincerity made her well-known and deeply respected in the community. She served on the boards of Northoek Academy, MTSA, and Homes Giving Hope, among others, always giving off herself with grace and humility.

Kim retired in June 2024, but her story took an unexpected turn. Rather than traveling with Steve, as they had planned, their journey shifted course. In early September, Kim was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Their days were now filled with doctor visits, chemotherapy treatments, and occasional emergency room trips. Despite the devastation of the diagnosis, Kim and Steve met this last chapter with strength, courage, and positivity, and held fiercely to hope, researching every possible avenue—including natural and alternative therapies—to support her health and well-being as long as possible.

Kim is survived by her husband Steve, her nieces Nicole (Jason) Fletcher and Andrea (George) Cox that she was a second mother to and their “Nana and Papa” children Jason, Brennan, Reagan Fletcher, Julianna and Gavin Cox; Her siblings, Robin (Dan) Spicer, Jackie (Marshall) Clark, Brian (Jen) Gillum, Joey Gillum. Her Brothers-In-laws; Jerry, David and Doug (Julie) Norman. Sisters-in-law; Debbie (Terry) Brickner, Kathy and Jan Norman. Many nieces and nephews and their children whom she adored. Kim was preceded in death by her parents; Jim Bouwkamp, Micki Bouwkamp Gillum, and step-father Hank Gillum. Her in-laws; Charles and Mercedes (Loeffler) Norman, Arlene and Don LeClaire, Linda and Frank Thiel, Bill, Larry and Loretta Norman. There will be a Memorial service at 2pm on May 5th at Ferrysburg Community Church, 17785 Mohawk Dr, Spring Lake, MI with the visitation beginning at 12:30. After the service we will gather at a park (to be announced later) to celebrate Kim’s playful and fun loving nature. A private family burial will take place in Coopersville-Polkton Cemetery. In leu of Flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Homes Giving Hope, P.O. Box 285, Rockford, MI 49341 or Revive and Thrive, 1971 E. Beltline NE, STE 106 #210, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Condolences for the family may be left on Kim’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com.

Throop Funeral Home

Coopersville, 616-837-8161