Debra Jean Hoksbergen was born on June 28, 1955.
Her life ended on February 21, 2016.
While the end of her life was very difficult, she can be honored and remembered in
countless joyful ways.
Many years ago Deb had to endure the loss of three infants. Jason Brandon, Megan Leigh,
and Grant, who were born with Potter’s Syndrome and died shortly after birth.
So the treasure of life took on special meaning when we were blessed with 3 healthy and
thriving children.
Dear wife of 41 years to Stan.
Loving Mom of Ross (Rumy), Alden (Mary) and Mieke (Aaron) Mutschler.
Proud Grandma of Ainsley and George Hoksbergen, Lorelei Mutschler and number four, a
grandson soon to be born to Ross and Rumy.
Deb had a deep desire to meet this little one, but will now get to witness this from
heaven.
Beloved daughter of Jim and Sylvia Vermeulen and daughter in law of Shirley Hoksbergen. Cherished sister of Krista (Tim) Schaafsma, Jim (Nancy) Vermeulen, and Ken (Shelly) Vermeulen. She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and cousins. Deb had a special smile. As her family and friends viewed this smile, they could sense a love that transcends any words. After the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, Deb battled 4 1/2 years in which she had the deepest level of pain but the highest level of perseverance.
To celebrate the gift of Deb's life, a service will be held at Beechwood Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Rd. Holland, MI 49424 at 11 AM on Saturday, February 27. Visitation Thursday 6-8 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 W. Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth and Friday from 3-5 PM and 6-9 PM at Beechwood Church in Holland. Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Holland, MI.
Source: vermeulenfh.com
Stanley Gene Hoksbergen, "Stan the man," passed away peacefully on June 10, 2017,
surrounded by his family.
Stan leaves behind his mother, Shirley; two siblings, Roland (Lisseth) and Miriam
(Keith) Hinkle; three children, Ross (Rumyana), Alden (Mary), and Mieke (Aaron)
Mutschler; five grandchildren; and many more who loved him.
His wife; Debbie of 41 years; his father; Al; and three babies preceded him in death.
Stan was born in Pella, Iowa on Nov. 3, 1951, to a father serving in Korea and a mother who, together with her parents, cared for Stan for his first year. Stan did not meet his father for a full year. Upon Al's return, the family moved to Michigan and Stan resided in Michigan the rest of his life. As an adult, he and his family lived in Detroit, Jackson, Lansing, and Holland.
Stan spent his working life in sales of big equipment, industrial tools, and air compressors. He was always full of stories with humorous twists and his clients brightened up when he visited. As his listeners well knew, Stan didn't let the exact truth get in the way of a good story, and they smiled along with him as the stories unfolded.
Stan was known for the fun poems he wrote for major family events, his ability to engage others and encourage them, the compassion he showed throughout his life to people in need, the support he and Debbie gave to Vietnamese refugees in the 70s, his love for and pride in his children, and his excellence as a golfer. Stan had the keen ability to come into a room and put a smile on everyone's face. He will be deeply missed by all.
A memorial service will be held at Beechwood Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland on Thursday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will be at the church, 4-6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Holland Rescue Mission, where Stan preached on several occasions, or Hospice of Holland, which provided excellent care to both Debbie and Stan during their final days.
Published in The Holland Sentinel on June 15, 2017