Robert F. Van Hoef's Obituary
Robert F. Van Hoef, age 85, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, and formerly of Grand Haven passed away Sunday, March 23, 2008, at a Minneapolis hospital. He was born April 15, 1922, in Grand Haven to John A. and Henrietta (Workman) Van Hoef. He married the former Lois Kieft on May 26, 1950, in Grand Haven.
Mr. Van Hoef was a 1940 graduate of Grand Haven High School, a 1947 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and a 1949 graduate of the University of Michigan. He also attended the University of London. He served his country in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant during two periods of active duty, World War II and the Korean War. He was twice decorated with the Bronze Star medal. Bob worked in the field of urban planning and development and was the planning director for Muskegon, Grand Haven, and the Michigan State Highway Department and was later the St. Paul Metro Development Senior Vice President. He retired in 1985 from First National Bank of St. Paul. He was a member of First Reformed Church in Grand Haven and a former board member of the Union Gospel Mission, the YMCA, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program, and the Athletic Club, as well as former president of the Boys and Girls Club. He was also a former member of the St. Paul City Planning Commission. Bob enjoyed playing tennis and golf, oil and watercolor painting, and woodcarving.
Survivors include his loving wife, Lois; his daughter, Susan (Michael) Beecroft of Prior Lake, MN; two sons, Mark (Carolyn) Van Hoef of McMinnville, OR, and Robert J. (Debra) Van Hoef of Bloomington, MN; nine grandchildren: Robert T., Maggie, and Molly Beecroft, Abby, Ashley, and Mitchel Van Hoef, and Allison, Jacklyn, and Madison Van Hoef; a sister, Mary Jane Wiersma of Holland; a brother, Jack Van Hoef of Grand Haven; and a brother-in-law, Larry Kieft of Grand Haven. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Andrew Van Hoef.
The service for Bob will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008, at First Reformed Church in Grand Haven with Rev. John Kenny officiating. Friends may meet the family 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Military honors will be provided under the auspices of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 Honor Guard. Memorial contributions to Christian Haven Home or to International Aid are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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