Helen Marie (Epema) Hoekstra

Helen M. Hoekstra, age 90, of Blomkest, currently residing at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, met Jesus face-to-face on Resurrection Sunday, April 5.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 13, at Roseland Reformed Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00–6:00 PM on Sunday, April 12, at Roseland Reformed Church and one hour prior to the funeral service. Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg. (www.tricountyfuneral.com)

Helen Marie Hoekstra was born on August 29, 1935, in Crookston, MN, the daughter of Seitze and Frances (Blokzyl) Epema. Her family moved frequently during her youth, and she received her eighth-grade diploma from Renville Country School. On June 4, 1953, Helen was united in marriage to Stanley F. Hoekstra. They made their home on the family farm two miles east of Roseland. This union was blessed with five children: Gary, Pam, Chad, Dohn, and Peggy.

Helen’s relationship with Jesus was the cornerstone of her life; she could be found studying her Bible every morning and praying for her family. As a devoted member of Roseland Reformed Church, she served as a Sunday school teacher for both children and adults, led the Young People’s and Girls Society, and served as a mentor mom for Bunde MOPS. Her faith took her on over twenty Lay Witness Mission trips, and alongside her husband, Stan, she mentored many couples.

Helen worked tirelessly as a homemaker and farm wife. She also enjoyed volunteering for many years at the New to You thrift store in Willmar. Family was her greatest joy; she loved attending the many events of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her hobbies included gardening, yard work, garage sales with friends, sewing, and creating picture books. She also cherished camping, fishing trips to Canada, and traveling with Stan. Helen is best remembered for her infectious laugh, big smile, vibrant personality, whistling her favorite hymns, and her many kisses and “I love you’s.”

She is survived by her loving and faithful husband of over 72 years, Stan; five children: Gary (Laura) Hoekstra, Pam (Gaylon) Bulthuis, Chad (Beth) Hoekstra, Dohn (Becky) Hoekstra, and Peggy (Brian) Meyer; 11 grandchildren: Ron Hoekstra, Amy (Mike) Hjelle, Jeremy (Heather) Bulthuis, Ginger Cushman, Jewel Bulthuis, Heidi (Brandon) Meyer, Matt (Brianna) Hoekstra, Ashley (Austin) VandeVegte, Grant (Christine) Hoekstra, Jesse (Amy) Meyer, and Tiffany Meyer; 19 great-grandchildren: Abby Hjelle, Austin, Allison, and Ethan Bulthuis, Katelyn (Tristan) Parker, Izabella Cushman, Peyton, Carson, Dillon, and Afton Meyer, Parker, Hazel, and Poppy Hoekstra, Aria, Archer, and Amara VandeVegte, Ruth and William Hoekstra, and Milo Meyer; and two great-great-granddaughters, Ivy and Eden Parker. Also surviving are her brother, Merle (Rose) Epema; sister, Lorraine DeGrote; and brother-in-law, Melvin (Judy) Zuidema.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers and their spouses: Richard (Marion) and Alvin (Gloria) Epema; sister Jessie Zuidema; and brother-in-law Dennis DeGrote.

Helen's family gratefully acknowledges Pastor Brett Barksdale and the staff at Bethesda Grand and Bethesda Hospice for their faithful visits and the wonderful care given to her.

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