Thomas A. Hoeker's Obituary
Pastor Thomas A. “Tom” Hoeker, age 58, unexpectedly went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, June 3, 2004. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who worked hard all his life for his family and ministry. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Pastor Hoeker was born October 6, 1945 in Muskegon to Lammert and Maxine (Carlson) Hoeker and lived his entire life in the area. On June 24, 1966, he married the former Barbara L. Seelye and she survives him. He was ordained by Grace Bible Church Ministries, formerly Light of Hope Chapel, in the early 1970’s and began his ministry as Associate Pastor. He currently had been serving as Senior Pastor for approximately the past 15 years. He had also been employed at Dana Corporation for 38 years. Pastor Hoeker enjoyed gardening and especially loved his grandchildren. SURVIVORS include his wife, Barbara; 3 children, Bruce (Sheila) Hoeker of Hudsonville, Linda Zwar and Brian (Becky) Hoeker both of Muskegon; 4 grandchildren, Emily Porter, Bryce-Allan, Maddison and Christian; his mother-in-law, Betty Seelye of Muskegon; 2 brothers, Russ (Barb) Hoeker of MN, Roger (Carla) Hoeker of Jenison; 1 sister, Marge (Larry) Cotter of Muskegon; 5 in-laws, Ethel (Ken) Killebrew of NM, Betty (Ron) Minzey of Muskegon, Earl (Jane) Seelye, Roy (Ruth) Seelye, Ruth (Bud) Clark all of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 grandson, Jeremy Scott Hoeker in 2001, 3 grandbabies and his father-in-law, LeRoy Seelye. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Monday, June 7, 2004 at the Sytsema Funeral Home, 737 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442, (231) 726-5210, with Pastor Dwight Reed officiating. INTERMENT will follow at Egelston Township Cemetery. VISITATION with Pastor Hoeker’s family will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Sunday at the funeral home. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Grace Bible Church Ministries Memorial Fund.
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