Ione Marie (Lemke) Hoekenga

On Sunday evening, March 1, 2026, all packed and eager to go on a cruise the next day, Ione Marie Hoekenga, age 91, instead entered the eternal presence of her Savior Jesus Christ. Ione was, foremost, a disciple of Christ, sharing his love by mentoring many, touching countless lives with care, and praying faithfully for everyone in her orbit.

Born on December 15, 1934, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Charles and Marie (Van Doeselaar) Lemke, Ione attended Calvin College and graduated with honors from the Blodgett School of Nursing Class of 1955. In 1959, she and her former husband, the late Donald Meindertsma, moved to Grand Haven, and they joined the Second Christian Reformed Church.

In Grand Haven, Ione used her skills as an RN to their full potential, including in a private medical practice and as a hospice care volunteer. Her favorite role was serving as the church's parish nurse. She loved nursing and never stopped dispensing emotional and physical care. Ione had a good listening ear and loved learning.

She devoured books (and somehow remembered everything she read). She proactively worked to better others' lives, always thinking of new activities and programs that could benefit others. While sometimes claiming, unconvincingly, to be an introvert, she was active and a leader in groups galore, including her church's SWANS and knitting groups and book clubs. She viewed every encounter as an opportunity to make a new friend. Yet she always believed that her main purpose was not to "do good," but to glorify God.

Ione raised her four children with unbounded love (and, as warranted, measured justice). She cherished her many grandchildren as their "Grammy" and a growing flock of great-grandchildren as "Onie." She was consistently available as a source of Godly wisdom, praying always that they each would be swept up into heaven in her wide train.

Ione married Lloyd Hoekenga in 1981, and they enjoyed an active life together in Spring Lake. He remained a loving and faithful husband until his passing on March 3, 2019.

Celebrating Ione's vibrant life are her children, Laura Bakker, Donn (Robyn) Meindertsma, Elisabeth Smeda, and Mary (Jerry ) Bonnema; grandchildren: Nick (Carissa), Marshall (Maris), Jacob (Sukhi), Connor (Jess), Caleb (Emily), Brooke (Anders), Laketon, Carsyn (Gavin), and Bryn; Lloyd's children, Brad (the late, April) Hoekenga, Brenda (Craig) DeYoung, and Beth (Dave) Van Rees, and their children, Amy (Matt), Emily, Tony (Elena), Phil (Emily), Bryce (Kelsey), Hillary (Alex), Liz (Nick), Anne (Jeremy), and Charles (Betsy); as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Lloyd; sister and brother-in-law, Celeen and Fred Neumann; infant sister, Ann Elisabeth; son-in-law, Paul Bakker; step-son, Bryce Hoekenga; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Charlotte Proctor. Ione also held the hands of many friends and patients during their final days and hours, and she looked forward to the day when God's angels beckoned her home, too. Great is His faithfulness.

The Funeral Service for Ione will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Second Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Tim Blackmon officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 8th, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Trinity Health at Home Hospice-Grand Haven or Second Christian Reformed Church.

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