Howard Norman Hoeksema

Howard Norman Hoeksema of Richland, MI



Howard, age 85, died peacefully with his loving wife at his side on Saturday morning, January 16, 2016 at his home.

Howard, the son of Peter and Dorothy (Chapman) Hoeksema, was born in Kalamazoo, Ml on October 31,1930. He was a lifetime area resident and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1949. He served his country honorably and nobly during the Korean War as a Private First Class with Battery A of the 53rd Battalion.

Howard started working for Bosker Brick Company in Kalamazoo after his war service and was made General Manager of the Battle Creek office. In 1962 he purchased the company and became the owner/operator, combining the two offices into Bosker Brick Company of Battle Creek. Howard retired in 1986 and two of his sons continue to operate the business to this day.

Howard was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and Christ United Methodist Church, both of Battle Creek. He had been active as a Pack Master for his sons Cub Scout Troops. He had been a member of the Michigan Builders Supply Association; the Battle Creek Home Builders Association and the AM Lions Club of Battle Creek.

Howard was a consummate golfer and loved playing golf with his sons and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, jigsaw puzzles, reading, constructing doll houses and telling a good story, but his true passion in life was his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Howard's favorite spot on earth was Anna Maria Island, FL. He and Shirley spent many winters there entertaining friends and family. Also, they lived at Gull Lake for over 30 years and Howard was well known for his "Guided Boat and Fishing Tours" of the Lake!

Howard married the "love of his life", Shirley Anne (nee: Thayer) in Kalamazoo, Ml on November 3,1950. Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Shirley; four sons, Steven H. (Kathryn) Hoeksema of Mt. Pleasant, Ml, Michael L. (Sally) Hoeksema of Delton, Ml, Dan T. (Jennifer) Hoeksema of Richland, Ml and Ronald A. (Michele) Hoeksema of Ansonia, OH; eleven precious grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren and his sister, Marjorie (Jack) Hill of Cincinnati, OH. Howard was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joan (Ken) Dirkse.

The Celebration of Life Service for Howard will be held on Saturday, January 23rd, 11:00a.m. at the Gull Lake View Golf Course and Resort, 7417 North 38th Street, Augusta, Ml 49012 with Rev. Robert G. Muirhead of Battle Creek, officiating. A luncheon and visitation will follow the Service until 3:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse. Private, family interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Ml with the United States Army Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full military honors at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Howard's honor may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwestern Michigan, 222 North Kalamazoo Mail, Suite #100, Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 or the First United Methodist Church, 111 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Ml 49017.

The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Howard's family with his arrangements.