Marian L. Hoekstra of Kalamazoo went to be with her Lord, Monday afternoon, Oct. 23, 2017.

Marian was born in the Trinity Reformed Church parsonage in Holland Oct 19, 1925, the daughter of Rev. Clarence “CP” and Anna (DeHerder) Dame. She was a graduate of Grand Rapids Central High School in 1943 and Hope College in 1947. Marian earned a lifetime teaching certificate from Western Michigan University and taught four years in Holland. She also taught in KPS as a substitute and worked part time at the Blossom Shoppe and Hoekstra Sales Co.

She was known for her dramatic presentations of Christian novels and original innovative worship programs for local church organizations.

Marian served as an officer/delegate for local, state, and national Women’s Ministry of RCA.

She was active at Second Reformed Church in the children’s choir, bell choir, Women’s Work and supporter and promoter of RCA missions projects and personally visited many missionaries during global trips of 88 countries with her husband Jack. In 1984 she joined her husband full time at Hoekstra Sales Co. until their retirement in 1997. After retirement she served as a mentor in KPS and in the Kid’s Hope Program.

She also volunteered for various organizations such as Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo Public Museum, Gideons, Correction House for Parolees, Ministry with Community, Loaves and Fishes and the Salvation Army, and providing rides for her elderly neighbors. In 2004 she was given a Kalamazoo Star Award for her volunteering services.

On Sept. 14, 1951, she was united in marriage to her loving husband, John “Jack” Hoekstra who preceded her in death on Sept. 5, 2007.