Rev. John A. Hoeksema

The Reverend John A. Hoeksema, age 86, passed away Wednesday evening, March 21, 2007 in Ferrysburg. Born in Muskegon on February 19, 1921 to Lubbertus "Bert" and Gertrude (Medendorp) Hoeksema, he had lived in this area for the past 21 years. After serving in the army during WWII, on August 28, 1946 he married Marjorie "Marge" Wells in Camillus, New York and she preceded him in death on May 5, 2004. Rev. Hoeksema pastored Christian Reformed churches for more than 36 years, serving congregations in Momence, IL, Edgerton, MN, Mt. Vernon, WA, and Racine, WI before retirement in 1986. He was currently a member of the Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church. Gifted preaching emphasizing God's sovereignty, love, and faithfulness characterized his ministry, along with a deep commitment to Reformed doctrine. He lived his motto "Remember who you are and who you represent." His profound love of the Heidelberg Catechism struck even his youngest parishioners. He was a gifted unifier and healer. He loved books and relished discussion. He greatly valued education and received degrees from Muskegon Jr. College, Wheaton College, Wichita University, Calvin College & Seminary, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He immersed himself in the church: 12 times delegated to synod, he served many years on the boards of CRC World Missions, Elim, Dordt College, and Calvin College & Seminary. SURVIVORS include a son, J. Todd (Carole) Hoeksema of Emerald Hills, CA; three grandchildren, Nathan, Emily and Allison; three brothers, Jay (Edith), Marvin (Mildred), and Dr. Ronald (Lieschen); and four sisters, Betty Hoeksema, Evelyn (Fred) Buthker, Delores ("Pete") Bishop, and Audrey Burgess. SERVICE will be held 1:00PM Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at the Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church, 364 S. Lake Ave., VISITATION with the family will be 6-8 PM Monday at the Sytsema Funeral Home 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI (231) 726-5210 INTERMENT will take place at Restlawn Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be given in memory of Rev. Hoeksema to Christian Reformed World Missions.