June Hoekstra

Some people spend their lives chasing their careers, their wants, or their dreams, never finding true happiness or fulfillment. June Hoekstra certainly wasn't one of them. June was a woman who found her calling in the love and laughter of her beloved family. Hers was a long a full life, as a loving mother, grandmother and wife. She taught us so many things, but most of all, that the greatest calling is always the one calling you home.

June's story began on a hot summer day in 1916, in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those were such exciting times in this country, as the automobile and the airplane were changing our nation, from the farms and the fields to the city streets. There was much to celebrate in 1916, especially for Jacob and Mabel (Anderson) Van Oss, who were thrilled with the birth of their first child on August 24, a beautiful baby girl they named June.

June was eventually joined by little siblings Paul and Carol in the family's Westside home, where she attended Oakleigh Junior High and later Union High School. Theirs was a close-knit family, and June grew up very close to her younger siblings, a bond that remained throughout their lives. The family was members of Calvary Church, where they faithfully attended each Sunday, thanking the Lord for their many blessings. As she grew older and the country entered the dark days of the Great Depression, they became even more grateful for their blessings, as June's father had a good job and provided well for his family in a time when so many struggled.

June graduated from Union High School at the height of the Depression in 1933, and afterward found work at a few different stores in Grand Rapids, including Herpolsheimer's. Soon, however, she would have more than a department store career on her mind.

June had known a handsome young man named Wilbur Hoekstra, who attended Calvary Church with her. Wilbur was a more mature man, six years her senior, but their friendship eventually turned to love, and they married when she was just 19 years old, beginning a wonderful life together.

The newlyweds moved into a charming house on Northrup, right across the street from June's parents, whom she was so close to. As the years went by, being close to her parents became even more important, as she was able to frequently check in on them and care for them. That was June, though, always caring for the ones around her.

Soon June had her own family to care for, as well. June and Wilbur were blessed with their only child, a son they named Tom, who filled their lives with such happiness and pride. June became the quintessential homemaker, the perfect wife and mother, who was a quiet whirlwind of activity around the house, and always doing something for her family. One of the family's most important rituals was dinnertime, a truly family event around the table, when good conversation was shared along with June's wonderful food. After dinner, June and Wilbur enjoyed their quiet times working alongside each other in their beautiful garden, which was a showpiece of their home.

The family did much together over the years, and always packed up the car in the summertime for the family vacation somewhere. They always drove, enjoying the journey together as much as the destination, from Niagara Falls, to Tahquamenon Falls, Washington D.C. and the mountains out west. These were special trips to them, and such priceless memories for June, who enjoyed the sights, but enjoyed seeing them reflected in her family's eyes even more.

The family also was very involved in their church, which in many ways was the center of their lives. They had many, many friends there, and were active in many church functions. June and her family opened their home to missionary families from all over, and appreciated the fellowship with other Christians. June also had a group of lady friends from church, who would gather together frequently. June was a woman who always lived - and loved - her faith, from the example she set for others, to the old hymns she would hum around the house.

June's beloved Wilbur worked hard to provide well for his family, and never really retired, just changed positions over the years. Eventually, he began showing signs of Alzheimer's, and June lovingly cared for him at home for many years. She began having some health problems of her own, however, and he moved to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, and sadly died in 1981.

Losing her beloved Wilbur was so difficult for June, who didn't have a driver's license and had never even driven a car before. With her family's encouragement, she learned to drive and became more independent. Her home was a lot to handle on her own, however, with plenty of upkeep she couldn't do alone, so she moved to Richmond Hill Apartments for a few years, before moving to Edison Manor and later the Christian Rest Home. Throughout all the transitions in her life, June never complained, always carrying on with a quiet strength and dignity, and contentment with her place in life. She was a beloved woman everywhere she went, who quickly made new friends with the people she found there.

Sadly, June died Thursday, March 29, 2007, at the age of 90.

June was a wonderful woman, who lived a long and wonderful life, a life so full of faith, friendship, and most of all, family. She devoted her life to quietly caring for those around her, as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma, and a friend to so many. She was a woman who loved the Lord, and thanked Him for all her many blessings. We were so blessed to have known her.

June is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Nancy Hoekstra; grandchildren Scott and Rhonda Hoekstra, Kristin and Wayne Dorais; great grandchildren Addison and Avery Hoekstra; brother and sister Paul (Barbara) VanOss and Carol (Lars) Granberg as well as nieces, nephews and friends. June was a charter member of Calvary Undenominational Church. Funeral and committal services will be held on Thursday, April 5 at 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where relatives and friends are invited to meet with her family from noon until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions made to either Calvary Church Missionary Fund or the Christian Rest Home are appreciated. To read more about June's life or to share a favorite memory, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.