Keith James Hoekwater

​Keith James Hoekwater, beloved child of God and faithful follower of Jesus Christ, was called to his eternal home in Heaven on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the age of 86. He was met there by his father and mother, Ira and Nellie Hoekwater, a brother-in-law Henry “Hank” Diekevers, a sister-in-law Betty Hoekwater, and a granddaughter Brittany Hoekwater. Keith was married to his loving wife Donna for 61 years. Donna survives him along with his five children and their families: Mark and Elisa Hoekwater (Matheu, Nicholas, and Daniel), Jim and Kristie Hoekwater (Courtney and Joshua Meredith, Tyler and Olivia Hoekwater, and Jenna and Matthew Ridderbos), Paul and Denise Hoekwater (Rachael and David Plantinga, Ben and Megan Hoekwater, Sarah and Ryan Petersen, Sam, and Joel), Mary Hoekwater (Anna Winkle and fiancé Matt Grotenhuis, Abby, Alea, and Audrey Winkle), John and Linda Hoekwater (Jacob, Luke, and Megan). He also very recently became a great-grandfather to Louise Plantinga (David and Rachael) and Boaz Hoekwater (Ben and Megan). His family was his pride and joy. He is also survived by his siblings: Don and Sally Hoekwater, Marilyn Diekevers, Bev and Tom Elzinga, Jim and Chris Hoekwater. Keith was born in Cadillac, MI. He served in the Navy after high school and then went on to attend Calvin College (University) where he graduated with a teaching degree. The majority of his career was spent teaching math and science at Kalamazoo Christian High School. In the later years of his career, he also served as the school librarian. He enjoyed coaching cross country and track for many years and had one cross country state championship. After retirement he and Donna moved to Byron Center to be closer to family. Keith was known by his family and friends as someone with a high level of integrity. He always had a warm smile and treated everyone with kindness. He loved his family well through family camping trips in the early years, and later by attending school programs and sporting events for his kids and grandkids. Keith had a love for music and God’s creation. He was a lifelong learner as evidenced by his master’s degrees in math and library science, as well as by his enrollment in various courses in his retirement. He will be dearly missed by his large family and many friends, but we are thankful for his new life in Heaven. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Second Christian Reformed Church, 7588 Byron Center Ave SW, Byron Center. A private burial will take place following the service at Winchester Cemetery in Byron Township. The visitation will be at the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW on Wednesday, December 13, from 5-8 p.m. and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to World Renew.