Dr. Herman D. "Herm" Hoeksema

Birth date: Mar 12, 1944 Death date: Aug 16, 2025

“Are you Dr. Hoeksema’s son? Yes I am, how do you know my dad? Well, he gave me a new knee, fixed my wife’s hip, my daughter’s broken arm, and my son’s broken leg.” “That’s pretty wild” would usually be my response as it seemed al Read Obituary

Wall Obituary Events Media

CARED FOR BY

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel

6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores MI 49444

(231) 798-1100

David Scott

30w ago

Herm was a great guy. I also helped manage his home in Breckenridge. As others have mentioned, Herm could be a tad acerbic, but always with "wit and a wink" mixed in. He will be missed.

Mary Waldman

30w ago

Mark and I met Herm back in 2006 when we started managing his Breckenridge mountain home. We shared many, many Beefeaters with ice + tonic over the years. His home in Swan River Valley is very special, set along a river, imposing in its presence and openly inviting, just like Herm. He was a straight shooter, did not mince words and always spoke true. I will miss his booming voice and his piercing gaze.

We visited Herm in Muskegon back in May 2010 on a road trip from Colorado to east coast. We met his prized hunting dogs, his gorgeous horses and shared dinner at the Yacht Club. His home was just as eclectic as his mountain home and we got another glimpse of this beautiful man.

He loved all our dogs, Hannha (yellow lab), Buddha and Bella (chihuahua). He was so delighted to see these two tiny chihuahuas being mountain dogs in middle of freezing winter!

I miss him and will think of him often.

David Wilcox

30w ago

Herm was truly one of a kind.

I first got to know him through the management of his Breckenridge home and always looked forward to his visits to the mountains. Time spent with Herm, his buddies, and Kathy was always entertaining, and I cherished those moments.

Beyond the laughter and stories, Herm was also incredibly generous with his time and counsel. During my struggles with a series of failed hip replacements, he was quick to offer support, guidance, and encouragement when I needed it most.

I will deeply miss Herm’s witty rejoinders, his “cantankerous” charm, and the richness of his personality.

-David Wilcox

Norma Vida

32w ago

in honor of Herman.

He did my first knee replacement when I was 60 years old. He was a great doctor and a great man. He will be missed.

A serene illustration of a lit pastel green candle with a small white blossom and a three-leaf sprig resting at its base, set against a soft green background.

Andy Leinicke

32w ago

I only knew Herman as "Dr. Hoeksema," and he was an ever-present figure in my childhood. Herman knew how to be deadly serious about everything he did and display an impish sense of humor all the while. He set an example for us with his unstoppable work ethic and standards. I still aspire to those values these days.

One Colorado morning we staged a contest to see who could make the best omelette. I'm pretty sure he gave me the win, even though he swore in frustration. It was an act to get us kids worked up. I can genuinely say I will miss Herman. And I will definitely miss competing with him for best omelette. My next breakfast creation will be for you, Herman. Rest in peace my friend.

Laura Kolberg

32w ago

I got to know Dr.Hoeksema when I worked with the Occupational Clinic "down the hall" from his office. Many of our workplace patients needed orthopedic referrals and we could always trust his expertise. I enjoyed Herm's personality-he told things like they were, but also had a sense of humor. His medical expertise was top notch-that's why so many people ask about him Marc-he changed their lives.
I do have one especially funny memory of a meeting I had with Dr. Hoeksema to talk about a mutual patient. He was in a really bad mood as he had just had a birthday. Thinking back and counting the years-he must have only been in his 50's. That same morning while getting ready for work at the Y after swimming, some older women were talking about a surgery they had and trying to remember the surgeon's name-she said oh, you know that really young handsome one with the dark hair. (Herm) After he mentioned that he was sick of getting older-or some such statement, I told him what I had just heard that morning.....got a big smile-then back to business. He always treated me with respect, and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Marc, you wrote a wonderful obituary. Laura Kolberg (and Kirk sends his deepest sympathy also.)

Jeanne Nummerdor

32w ago

My deepest sympathies to Kathy and his family. I worked for Dr. Hoeksema at his orthopedic office in Muskegon for almost 10 years and have many fond memories of my time there and my coworkers became very dear friends. Dr. Hoeksema was an excellent orthopedic surgeon who was highly respected and known for his expertise in that field. I was so sorry to hear about his cancer and the suffering he endured. My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and the family. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I know he was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Jeanne Nummerdor

Jimmy Lee

32w ago

I was a patient of Dr Hoeksema for many years as well as my daughter. I broke a finger playing basketball, he put a splint on it
He seen me at the airport, and walked over to check it
Knee scope, rotator cuff surgery and many officer visits, he did his best to keep me in the trade
He was one of a kind, I could always trust his decision for my health

God Bless Jim Temple