Remembering the Past and Believing in the Future…
The Story of Frank and Marge Kolk
Pastor Frank Kolk began his career with The Baptist Home in Newark in
1967 when he and his wife, Marge, along with their 4 young children, moved
from Wayne NJ to Newark. Pastor Frank Kolk left full-time ministry and
assume the duties of the Administrator of the Baptist Home in Newark NJ
in 1968. The Kolk family of 6 took up residence in the 3 story home located
on Roseville Ave next to the Baptist Home. The children, Darlene 14, David
11, Doug 5 and Dawn 2 were enrolled in school and life began anew for The
Kolk family. Frank quickly mastered the responsibilities of Administrator
of the Home while continuing to utilize his gifts of preaching, teaching and
caring for family.
One evening, a nurses’ aides called in sick. Frank quickly said to Marge:
“Tonight you are a nurse. I need you.” Marge took the challenge and stayed
up all night assisting in the infirmary doing her best as a substitute nurse’s
aide. She immediately knew she liked the job. Encouraged by Frank, Marge
attended school and received her LPN license from the Essex County Voca-
tional and Tech College a few blocks away. The rest is history.
Frank shepherded The Baptist Home thru difficult and turbulent years;
Marge eventually took over the supervision of the nursing staff. It was a
team made in heaven. Frank steered The Baptist Home through uncharted
territory over the next 34 years and was always careful to keep the costs
down while keeping the quality of care at the highest of standards. Frank
will alway s be remembered for his devotion and commitment to The Baptist
Home, along with his talent for playing the accordion during the Chapel services. Upon his retirement, his
son David, became the Administrator of the Baptist Home and Dawn, his daughter, assumed the role of
Director of Activities.
Frank is currently a full time resident at The Cliffs. Marge has transitioned from nursing at the Baptist Home
to Director of Resident and Church Relations at the Cliffs. Dawn is currently Assistant Director of Activities.
We extend our heartfelt love and gratitude to the entire Kolk family for their many years of devotion
to both The Baptist Home and The Cliffs at Eagle Rock. It is this strong link to our remarkable past
history that gives strength and continuity to the present. These are the enduring qualities and standards of
our Mission that will also take us into the future.
Marge and Frank Kolk at Home at TheCliffs
Marge, Dawn, David and their dog, Cliff
