John Hoogendam Sr., 92, was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, April 21, 2018 surrounded by his devoted family. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a lifelong dairyman. John led his family by example of being a man of unwavering faith, humility, generosity, and kindness towards others. He valued family cohesiveness, a sense of humor, and a strong work ethic. In his spare time, John enjoyed spending time with his family and tending to the gardening in his yard.
John was born to Martinus & Teuntje (van der Dussen) Hoogendam on October 19, 1925 in the Netherlands. He was one of eight children, five boys and three girls. In 1948, John immigrated to the United States to start a dairy in California. After 3 years of living in California, John returned to the Netherlands to rekindle the relationship with his future bride. John married Tena Stam on February 14, 1951. Shortly after they wed, Tena moved with John back to California. John and Tena began their marriage living in Artesia, CA but ultimately moved to Corona, CA where they would spend the remainder of their married years. The two were married for 67 years, and John was a loyal and adoring husband. John and Tena raised four children together and instilled in them the importance of prioritizing the relationships they had with each other. John was passionate about his business, Hoogendam Dairy, that he had established in 1956 in Artesia, CA. He took great pride in how the family business has grown. Although Hoogendam Dairy expanded and relocated to Merced, CA in October, 2000, John joked that he “still dreams about cows.”
John is survived by his wife Tena and their four children Marvin (Susan) Hoogendam, Merced, CA; Betty Hoogendam, Corona, CA; Debbie (John) Schlegel, Ontario, CA; and John Hoogendam, Jr., Merced, CA. In addition, John had four granddaughters, Barbara (Adam) Greenberg and Chrissy (Russell) Verhoeven (daughters of Marvin and Susan Hoogendam) and Kimberly Schlegel and Kelly (Patric) Birdsong (daughters of John and Debbie Schlegel). John had three great-grandchildren, Dylan John & Nathan Greenberg and Willa Verhoeven.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Inland Christian Home Friendship Center, 1950 S. Mountain Avenue, Ontario, CA.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John Hoogendam, Sr. to Inland Christian Home.
