Ralph J. Hoekstra

Ralph J. Hoekstra, age 83, of Jenison, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, April 1, 2016. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Annalise DeYoung.  Ralph was a kind and generous man with a servant’s heart.  He gave of his time and talents volunteering at Love, INC and Crossroads Bible Ministries.  He had the gift of conversation and loved to spend time with people and children where he worked as a custodian at Park Elementary in Hudsonville, until he retired.  He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Helen; children,  Nancy and Chris Bertram, Connie and Bryan West, Jim Hoekstra, Barb and Randall DeYoung, Joel and Sherri Hoekstra, Beth and Gary Jennings; 16 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Annike Hoekstra in the Netherlands, Glenda Bossenbroek, Warren and Fran Bossenbroek, Gary and Sandra Bossenbroek, Phillip Bossenbroek, Allegra Bossenbroek; many other loving relatives and friends.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday 1:30 pm at Messiah Christian Reformed Church, 2900 Springdale, Hudsonville, with Pastor Ron Baker officiating.  Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 6-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and from 12:30-1:30 pm at the church prior to the service.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Love, INC.