Robert “Bob” Henry Hoekstra left behind the constraints of his suffering body to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, December 16, 2022.

Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 9, 1947. He grew up in Roseland, at the time a primarily Dutch neighborhood in the far-south side of Chicago, the youngest of four siblings. He had wonderful memories growing up with grandparents living right behind him, across the alley, and other relatives living right nearby in his close-knit community. He attended Roseland Christian School and graduated in 1964 from Fenger High School. Bob was always known for his incredible work ethic. He loved to reminisce about his first job driving all around the big city as a flower delivery driver for Vans Floral. After graduating, he joined the Army Reserves and apprenticed as a cabinet-maker for a couple of years. Eventually Bob was accepted to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134 where he spent the duration of his career working very hard for O’Connell Electric all around the city and suburbs. These experiences, combined with years of careful research, equipped him to personally design and build a large family home in South Holland, Illinois, where he and his wife, Kathie, raised four children.

Bob was a devoted follower of Christ who brought his family to church every time the doors opened and served in many capacities at various churches. For a year-and-a-half early in their marriage, he and Kathie moved to Kentucky to serve as volunteers in a small country church, assisting an aging local clergy couple who became like family. Returning to life in the Chicago suburbs of Lansing and South Holland, he served as a deacon, an elder, an Awana leader, and also shared from God’s Word at Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. He was always ready to help struggling families with household repairs or electrical issues at no cost. An unselfish man, Bob put his family first. He took an active role in caring for his aging parents, overseeing the care of his institutionalized brother, and did everything possible to help his in-laws as long as he was able. He believed in living out his faith in practical ways.

Forced to retire early due to waning eyesight from diabetic complications, he and Kathie moved to Springfield, Missouri, where they built another home and established themselves in a warmer climate. They joined Boulevard Baptist Church, made many friends, and truly enjoyed life together. They weren’t afraid to hop in the car for day trips and even longer road trips, visiting interesting sites in Texas and throughout the southwest as well as returning north for visits with their grown children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, this golden time was cut short when Kathie passed away from cancer in 2008.

Learning to live on his own was difficult, but Bob adapted. He was unable to drive but could be spotted zooming around on his red scooter to local coffee shops, the dentist’s office, and other nearby businesses. After a succession of setbacks to his health, he moved north to Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to be near his oldest daughter. There he volunteered a few days a week for the Two Rivers Christian Thrift Store, which led to new friends and a renewed sense of purpose. After several years he regained stability in his health, grew tired of chilly Lake Michigan summers, and relocated back to Springfield, where he volunteered at Cox Hospital. About six years ago he met and married a wonderful lady, Elaine Wadkins, who brought joy and loving care back into his lonely life. They purchased another home and he proceeded to build a fence, a deck, and tackle all kinds of projects. Elaine liked to call him “Bob the Builder”. As his senses and physical abilities wound down over the last few years, Bob found solace in his unwavering faith, his love of music, and Elaine’s companionship.

Bob is preceded in death by his first wife, Kathie; his parents Conrad and Marguerite (Bos), brother Thomas (Jan), sister Marlene Ipema, brother Benjamin; and his in-laws, John and Katie Blink. He is survived by his wife Elaine, daughter Kelly (Jonathan) Trader and granddaughter Kendalyn, son David (Cindy) and grandchildren Kayla, Jacob, Kaycie and Tyler; son Duane and grandchildren James, Patrick, Elise, Nick, Ingrid, Matthew, and Charlie; daughter Kristi (Jon) Shields and grandchildren Josh, Sadie, and Lainey. He will also be missed by his stepson Joe (Tammy) Wadkins and their son Jacob (Katie), and stepson Jim (Michelle) Wadkins and their daughters, Amanda and Shelby, along with many other loving friends, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Robert’s life will at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Greenlawn Funeral Home South, with a visitation from 10-11 am. A private interment will be in Maple Park Cemetery.
For family and friends unable to attend, the service can be viewed live via Zoom, meeting ID 448 547 7845 . Out of respect for those watching through Zoom, ****Please be courteous to others and turn off the camera and audio on your electronic devices.***