Marian Hoekstra

Marian L. Hoekstra, age 92, of Kalamazoo, MI went to be with her Lord, Monday afternoon, October 23, 2017. Marian was born in the Trinity Reformed Church parsonage in Holland, MI, October 19, 1925 the daughter of Rev. Clarence "CP" and Anna (DeHerder) Dame. She was a graduate of Grand Rapids Central High School in 1943 and Hope College in 1947. Marian earned a lifetime teaching certificate from Western Michigan University and taught 4 years in Holland. She also taught in KPS as a substitute and worked part time at the Blossom Shoppe and Hoekstra Sales Co. She was known for her dramatic presentations of Christian novels and original innovative worship programs for local church organizations. Marian served as an officer/delegate for local, state, and national Women's Ministry of RCA. She was active at Second Reformed Church in the children's choir, bell choir, Women's Work and supporter and promoter of RCA missions projects and personally visited many missionaries during global trips of 88 countries with her husband Jack. In 1984 she joined her husband full time at Hoekstra Sales Co. until their retirement in 1997. After retirement she served as a mentor in KPS and in the Kid's Hope Program. She also volunteered for various organizations such as Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo Public Museum, Gideons, Correction House for Parolees, Ministry with Community, Loaves and Fishes and the Salvation Army, and providing rides for her elderly neighbors. In 2004 she was given a Kalamazoo Star Award for her volunteering services. On September 14, 1951 she was united in marriage to her loving husband, John "Jack" Hoekstra who preceded her in death on September 5, 2007. Marian is survived by her sons, David Hoekstra, John (Marj) Hoekstra; 3 grand-daughters, Crystal Bultje, Katherine Hoekstra, and Elizabeth Hoekstra; a sister-in-law, Marie Dame; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may meet the family from 6-8pm Thursday evening, October 26 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 South Burdick. A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm Friday, October 27 at Second Reformed Church, 2323 Stadium Drive. Private family interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Second Reformed Church Missions or the Hope College Jack and Marian Hoekstra Scholarship Fund.