John J. Hoekstra's Obituary
Following a day filled with worship, music, and family, John J Hoekstra, of Norton Shores, Michigan, passed away on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025.
Born at home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to John and Jeannette (née Goudberg) Hoekstra on January 18, 1929, John was blessed to live a meaningful and beautiful life for over 96 years.
John graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High, Calvin College, and earned his PhD degree in Chemistry from Wayne State University. While in graduate school, he drove to New Jersey in search of the memorable smile of another Calvin Alum, Teresa Mae Holtrop. They were married on June 15, 1957, at the Calvin College Franklin Street Campus Chapel.
The newlyweds moved to Midland, Michigan, where John was a researcher for Dow Chemical Company where he worked with ‘high-energy molecules’ (aka rocket fuels -one might say he truly was a rocket scientist!). In Midland, they started their family, were active in their church and instrumental in starting Midland Christian school. Next, John followed his passion for teaching and landed teaching jobs first at Central College in Pella, Iowa, and later joined the University of Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa, where he taught Chemistry and physics for 25 years as well as serving stints as Dean of Students, Department Chairman, and Faculty Chairman. John and his wife were also active members of Third Presbyterian Church, where John served as elder and Clerk of Session and enjoyed teaching adult Sunday School for many years.
After formally retiring in 1995 as a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, John jumped right into volunteer work. He and Terry made several trips with World Renew Disaster Response teams and worked for a semester at Faith Academy Missionary School in the Philippines. In 2003, they moved to Muskegon, Michigan to be closer to their children, and served at Calvin Christian Reformed Church in various ministries, including the food truck program, SERVE, Life Groups, hospitality, and church leadership.
Perhaps John’s most impactful work was with the International Aid ministry (I.A.), where over the next 15 years he clocked over 8,000 hours as a dedicated volunteer. His first contribution to IA was reconditioning medical equipment for use in mission fields. This eventually led to the development of the “Lab-In-A-Suitcase” project, creating portable medical-laboratories used in remote areas of developing countries. His work was vital to ensure the reliability of life-saving diagnostic medical equipment to people worldwide. John was greatly appreciated for his scientific and technical expertise alongside his positive willingness to serve. It was for this tireless work with International Aid that John was named a Point of Light Honoree, earned a President’s Volunteer Service Award under the Obama Administration, and was officially recognized by the State of Michigan.
John Hoekstra was innately curious and loved to learn. His additional interests included sailing, woodworking, Ham Radio operating (callsign WØMZA), book clubs spending time with his family, backpacking, traveling, and attending programs at Maranatha Bible Conference Grounds. He was a deeply committed Christian and devoted father and grandfather. He loved and encouraged his grandchildren in their educational pursuits and attended many sports, musical, and theatrical events. He always made time for heartfelt and contemplative conversations. John’s gentle, humble personality, clever humor, deep knowledge, and sincere interest in and kindness to others made him a favorite wherever he went. He will truly be missed by all who had the benefit of knowing him.
John is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Terry Holtrop; His three children, Eric (Margaret) Hoekstra; Faith (Brian) Hinken, and Bethany (David) DeHaan; eight grandchildren Elise (Sarah) Hinken, Hope (Ezekiel) Ayers, Brea Hinken, Calvin Hinken, Riley DeHaan, Caleb DeHaan, Alden DeHaan, and Graham DeHaan; and one great-grandchild, Gabi Lupi.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Friday, April 25th, at the Spring Lake Sytsema Funeral Chapel, (213 E Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI).
A Memorial Service of Celebration will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, April 26, preceded by a viewing starting at 10:00 am at Calvin Christian Reformed Church (973 W Norton Ave, Muskegon, MI).
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to World Renew (formerly CRWRC) or the Maranatha Bible Missionary Conference & Retreat Center.
“Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.”
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