Edwin Hoeksema

Edwin Dale Hoeksema, age 83, went home to be with his Lord on September 8, 2018. Ed was born January 6, 1935, in Portage, the son of John and Effie (Kiel) Hoeksema. He was a lifelong Portage resident, graduate of Portage High School, and for one year he served active duty with the National Guard. Ed was a well-known, loved, and respected member of the Portage community. He and his business partner, Jake, owned and operated Elzinga and Hoeksema Greenhouses for 40 years, and the landmark Centre Street Market. He was a faithful worshiper at First Reformed Church of Portage and First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL. Ed loved to fish with his brothers, and for many years he looked forward to his annual Canadian walleye fishing trip. He loved to share his home on Gourdneck Lake and entertain family and friends for meals, boat rides, or just time in his favorite screened porch. Ed and Kathy spent their winters in Bonita Springs, FL where they golfed and loved to take family and friends on pontoon fishing or leisure excursions on the back waters. He traveled the world with friends and family and was always open to a new adventure. Ed leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and generosity to all who knew him. On February 13, 1959, he was united in marriage to Kathy (DeHaan) Hoeksema, who survives. Also surviving are their three children Brenda (Dennis) Bonn, Bruce (Kim) Hoeksema, Beth (Steve) Onken; eight grandchildren, who were the joy of his life, Casey Bonn, Lindsey Hoeksema, Kevin Hoeksema, Chelsea (Gary) Gildea, Joel (Alexa) Smith, Corey (Alison) Onken, Tyler Smith (Dustin TerHaar), and Corey Smith; a great-granddaughter Rosalie Gildea; his brothers and sister Carl (Carol) Hoeksema, Doris (Harold) Vlietstra, Don (Nancy) Hoeksema, Dale (Marilyn) Hoeksema; and many dearly loved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and special friends. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers Gerald Hoeksema and Jim Hoeksema. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, September 14th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue and from 9:45am to 10:45am on Saturday, September 15th at the First Reformed Church of Portage, 7905 S. Westnedge Avenue. The funeral service to celebrate Ed's life will begin at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 15th at the First Reformed Church of Portage with Pastor Clayton Smith officiating. Immediately following the service there will be a time of food and fellowship in the church hall. A private family committal will be held in Portage South Cemetery. Memorials in Ed's memory may be directed to HOPE Cancer Connection, First Reformed Church of Portage, or Rose Arbor Residence. Please visit Ed's personalized guest book at www.langelands.com