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Robert (Bauke) Hoekstra
October 23, 1947-May 3, 2022
Hoekstra obit pic

 Robert (Bauke) Hoekstra was born to Jacob and Hiltje Hoekstra on October, 23, 1947 in Akkerwoude, Friesland, Netherlands and immigrated with his family to Ontario, Canada in 1948. After living in Ontario they moved to southern California before finally settling in the Modesto area in 1962.

   He graduated from Ripon Christian High School in 1965 and began his studies at MJC the following year. He later transferred to Fresno State University where he graduated with a degree in Civil and Mechanical

Engineering. While at FSU, he met the love of his life, Marilyn and they were married soon after graduation. He spent the next 45 years designing metal buildings for different engineering firms around the central valley and after retiring, he continued to use his experience to consult for friends and colleagues around the area.

The two essential things in Bob’s life were his faith and his family. Always a hard worker, he devoted lots of time to serving on boards at Ripon Christian Schools, Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church and Bethany Home in Ripon. In his later years, he enjoyed travel, tennis, golf and taking care of his yard.  Most of all, he loved to spend time with his wife, children and their families, especially enjoying the myriad of activities of his beloved grandchildren, whom he doted on with patience and love.  His sudden passing will leave a void in the life of many. 

   He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 51 years, as well as his sons, Jeffrey, Dusty (Ericka) and Corey (Alissa). He will be dearly missed by his five grandchildren, Austin, Tyler, Jake, Mia and Sadie. He is also survived by sister Georgina Huizenga (Ontario, Canada), brother Gerben Hoekstra (Charlotte, NC) and brother Bill Hoekstra (Oakdale, CA).

   He was predeceased by sister Sipkje Knot. Additionally, his absence will be felt by his church family as he was well known for his love of conversation, his intentionality about greeting newcomers and for always being the last to leave church. Throughout his life he found great peace and comfort in knowing that he belonged, both body and soul, in life and in death to his faithful savior, Jesus Christ.

   Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Hoekstra family. A visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel. A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, May 14th at 10 a.m.  at Ripon Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Almond Valley Christian

Reformed Church at 11 a.m.

Remembrances can be sent to Ripon Christian Schools or Bethany Home (Ripon).


Modesto

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Thursday, May 12, 2022