Douglas Hoogerhyde ’77

Beloved father, husband, brother, and friend, Douglas Martin Hoogerhyde passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024 surrounded by family. Born May 27, 1955 to David and Millie Hoogerhyde, he grew up in Grand Rapids with one younger sister, Mary Kay. Doug attended Grand Rapids Christian High School and Hope College where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in business management.
Doug spent his early professional years in banking. In 1979, he met his wife Margaret (Peggy) Baxter and they were married in 1981. Several years later, Doug started working for the family company, S.A. Morman & Co., which he and Peggy later purchased and ran for 35 years. Under his leadership, he grew the business and was involved in the construction of many West Michigan buildings. He genuinely cared about his team and their families, and was well respected in the company and the greater construction industry.
Doug’s greatest joy was his family. He and Peggy adored their two daughters, Julie and Kristin. He never missed a game or event that was important to the girls. They spent summers boating along Lake Michigan, visiting port towns, and water skiing along the way. The family’s favorite hobby was to travel together. They explored new places and experienced adventures, including downhill skiing, white water rafting, and golfing. Later in life, Doug’s greatest joy became his 7 grandchildren. He loved watching them grow and their energy brought him immeasurable happiness. He was known to show photos and videos of the grandkids to anyone willing to look.
Doug was extremely involved in the West Michigan community, and generously donated time and resources. He served on various boards and was passionate about causes that were important to his friends and family. Some of the organizations closest to his heart included the YMCA of Grand Rapids and Hope College. Doug and Peggy’s humble nature and selfless contributions quietly enriched countless organizations.
Doug was a man of character – loyal to his family, friends, and community. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and knew how to make others laugh. He has many friendships, cultivated by his ability to make and maintain meaningful connections. His life is a testament to the remarkable impact one person’s love and generosity can make. As a friend said, “He’s one of the good ones”. He will be dearly missed.
Doug is survived by his wife of 42 years, Peggy Hoogerhyde; daughters and sons-in-law Julie & Dan Holt and Kristin & Jason Ruud; grandchildren Noah, Sammy & Fletcher Holt and Bennett, Quinn, Graham & Eli Ruud; sister and brother-in-law Mary Kay & Tom Kolaz; sisters-in-law Sharon Baxter and Mary Baxter; step-siblings Georgia (Dan) Jones, Catherine (John) Stovall, and David (Marcia) DeVos; nephew Jeff (KC) Baxter and nieces Susie (Dan) VanSkiver and Chloe (Andrew Marreel) Kolaz. He was preceded in death by his parents, David & Millie Hoogerhyde; infant sister Nancy Hoogerhyde; step-mother Carol Hoogerhyde; in-laws Bud & Arlene Baxter; brothers-in-law Skip Baxter and Syd Baxter; and nephew Tom Radosevich. He is also survived by many dear friends who have provided wonderful support to Doug and Peggy.