John Hoekstra

HOEKSTRA, John H. "Jack"
Of Kalamazoo Jack left his earthly home for his heavenly home Wednesday, September 5, 2007. He was born May 27, 1926 in Kalamazoo, the son of Theodore and Winifred VanderSalm Hoekstra. After graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1944, Jack served in the United States Navy for two years. He then graduated from Hope College and the University of Michigan business graduate school. Upon finishing his education, he joined Hoekstra Sales Co. an appliance store owned by his father, Ted Hoekstra and his uncle, Jerald Hoekstra. On September 14, 1951, he married Marian Dame. Jack�s life was focused on his family, his church and the community. His many hobbies of music, sports, travel and collecting stamps and coins kept him mentally stimulated. He was a member of Second Reformed Church chancel choir for 65 years and a charter member of the Kalamazoo Concert Band playing in it for 47 years. For 68 years, Jack participated in the YMCA church softball league as a player or manager. For years he played badminton at the Y. Jack�s goal was to visit 100 countries during his lifetime. He did visit 88, most of them with his wife and sons. His love of history and geography and gathering of knowledge never ceased. Jack was a charter member of Knights of the Round Table, a board member of the YMCA, a member of Reformed Church of America extension committee for 8 years, served on projects for Hope College, volunteered at Loaves and Fishes and Ministry with Community. Survivors include his wife, Marian; his sons, John Marj Hoekstra of Holland, David Hoekstra of Kalamazoo; 3 grandchildren, Crystal Bultje, Katherine and Elizabeth Hoekstra; brother-in-law, Paul Marie Dame and Russell Hage; sister-in-law, Trudy Schrier. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 AM Saturday at the Second Reformed Church 2323 Stadium Drive, where a Memorial Service will begin at 11:00AM Saturday with Rev. Ralph Robrahn officiating. A private family interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials in Jack�s memory may be directed to Second Reformed Church or to Hope College Jack Hoekstra Student Scholarship Fund.