Dorothy Jean Hoeksema

HOEKSEMA, DOROTHY
of Portage, Michigan Dorothy Jean Hoeksema, age 85, went home to be with her Lord on March 12, 2013. Dorothy was born May 27, 1927, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Garrett and Sinnie VanderWoude Gerlofs. On October 22, 1948, she was united in marriage to Gerald J. Hoeksema and they were residents of Portage for over 60 years. They owned and operated G. Hoeksema & Sons Greenhouses in Portage, where Dorothy helped in the day to day operations of the business. Dorothy was a longtime active member of the First Reformed Church of Portage and had been involved throughout the years in many of the church organizations and functions. She especially enjoyed bowling, shopping and traveling. The most important part of Dorothy's life was her family and being involved in the activities of her children and grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Gerald on December 27, 1978. Surviving are four sons, Larry Kathy Hoeksema of Portage, Dennis Sue Hoeksema of Texas Township, Randy Sandy Hoeksema of Portage and David Julie Hoeksema of Portage; grandchildren, Bryan Melissa Hoeksema, Mike Jill Hoeksema, Sara Rich DeVries, Dan Jonni Hoeksema, Scott Rosalie Hoeksema, Jen Ryan Rykse, Matt Leann Hoeksema, Kim Stan Qualls, Adam Marks, Ashley Steve Yurk, Alex Andi Hoeksema and Ryan Hoeksema; 25 great-grandchildren; her brother, Clare Gerlofs of Kalamazoo; her sister, Betty Edward Klepper of Kalamazoo; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 PM on Friday, March 15th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Street. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, March 16th at the First Reformed Church of Portage 7905 S. Westnedge Ave. with Pastor Clayton Smith officiating. Interment will be held in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Dorothy's memory be directed to First Reformed Church of Portage or a charity of your choice.