Richard “Dick” Hoeksema, 94, passed away on November 8, 2023 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Grandview Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023. Visitation will start at 9 a.m. and conclude at time of service. Private burial will take place afterwards at Davenport Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be left to Grandview Baptist Church.
Dick was born on March 25, 1929 to parents Hazel (Greenwald) and Henry Hoeksema. He graduated from Davenport High and received his B.A. from the University of Iowa. He was a crafty and outstanding left-handed pitcher at both levels and reached the AAA Level in the Detroit Tigers organization. Later in life, he worked as a Sales Manager at Deco Tool Supply until retiring in 1998.
Between retiring from pro baseball and retiring from Deco, Dick impacted many lives and added to his athletic legacy. He became a star fastpitch softball player, helping Harrelson Motors to the ISC World Title in 1967. He is a member of the Iowa Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. He coached Little League for ten years, taught ninth grade Sunday School classes for several years and was very active as a church leader in parts of four decades. He also enjoyed his years working with Baseball Chapel.
Alongside him for most adventures in life was his loving wife, Betty. Dick and Betty got married in 1951 and had 72 years together. In those years, they had five children and made so many memories. Some of the highlights include watching Iowa Hawkeye games, playing basketball in the living room with the great-grandkids, attending three generations of sporting events, and winding down in the evening to watch Wheel of Fortune. In earlier years, Dick enjoyed riding his bike.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Hoeksema; children, Tom (Rita) Hoeksema, Richard (Carol) Hoeksema, Kathy (Van) Harris, David (Cris) Hoeksema, Kristi (Jeff) Masterson; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren plus 1 on the way; brother-in-laws, Russell (Helen) Meyer, and Jack (Mary Jean) Meyer.
