Obituary of William Hoekstra

Click here to livestream Bill's service

Bill Hoekstra passed away into the loving arms of his faithful Saviour Jesus Christ on February 9, 2024, in his, 91st year. Bill (Pake) will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Geralee (married 2004), his sisters Frances, Alice, Greta, and his 6 children, Rick (Eileen), Jody (Garry), Ron (Anita), Anita (Colin), Frank (Marlene), Jim (Jackie).  Pake will also be missed by his 21 grandchildren Andrew (Julie), Paul (Sarah), Kari (Dave), Chris (Michelle), Tom (Melissa), Fraser (Rebecca), Brad (Alesha), Kevin (Joanne),  Breanne, Dana (Emerson), Natalie (Jeff), Joel (Nicole), Curtis, Ken (Sarah),  Lindsay (Daniel), Jessie, Lauren, Colton (Candice), Ben (Luna), Shavaughn (John) Cameron, as well as his 28 great grandchildren; Emma, Meagan, Connor, Brielle, Cameron, Brynlee, Cassidy, Arie, Willa, London, Findlay, Oakley, Skky, Ocean, Waylon, Charlie, Audrey, Grace, Tyler, Elliot, Theo, Jack, Lily, Madi, Billy, Gabi, Hudson and Hadley.

Bill will also be missed by Geralee's family, Karen (Dave), Alison (Tim) and John (Cheryl) and grandchildren Jacob, Matt, Rachelle, Cameron, Aaron, Ryan and Adam.

Bill was predeceased by his wife Betty Hoekstra (nee Boelens) of almost 46 years, his parents and 4 of his brothers.

Born in Drachtstercompagnie, Friesland, Netherland on July 19, 1933 to Klaas and Frances Hoekstra, Bill moved to Canada with his family in 1952. He lived in Wyoming and Sarnia and married Betty in 1957 and then moved to Kitchener in 1962 where he raised his family, while working as a bread and milk man, and finally for 40+ years as a plumbing warehouse manager. 

Bill was a member of Community Christian Reformed Church for 62 years and served as a custodian and as deacon. He loved his church and his church family. Bill loved music, he sang in the choir at church and played the trumpet for special services right up until he was 85 years old. He was also a member of the Waterloo Regional Police band for several years. He passed on that love of music to his kids. Bill and Geralee volunteered for several Disaster Relief Services work trips for World Renew.

Although he never learned to skate well, he loved to coach hockey. He loved sports but mostly he loved to watch his kids and grandkids play. He spent countless hours at games, recitals, and school performances. Another huge pastime of Bill's was driving bus for the Dutch Boy Cadets and NorthStar Drum Corps back in the 70's.

We will be forever grateful to Melisa and Evelyn and staff at University Gates for the care and love they showed him for the last 2 years.

Friends and relatives are invited to join the family during visitation at the Community Christian Reformed Church, 1275 Bleams Road, Kitchener on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. A celebration of Bill’s life and faith will take place at the church on Thursday, February 15 at 2:00 pm followed by a reception. Private family interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau. A livestream of the service will be available on Bill’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to Laurentian Hills Christian School or World Renew may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com