“Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, whoever lives and believes in me, will never die.” John 11: 25,26.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wiebe Hoogsteen (Bill). He went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 with his family at his side. Bill lived his life to the fullest until his last few days in St Joseph’s hospice.
He was born October 1, 1929 in Friesland, Netherlands to Bareld and Boukje Hoogsteen. He was the eldest of five children. Their family moved to Canada in 1948. And that’s where he met the love of his life Ann Kruizenga. They were married Feb 21, 1950 and enjoyed 63 years of marriage together, having nine children. They spent many winters in Arizona enjoying his retirement years. He sang in the Fort William Male Choir for 25 years, using his gifted tenor voice. During those years he was able to go on many overseas choir tours. One of his highlights was singing for the Pope at the Vatican. He attended church all of his life, most recently at the United Reformed Church of Thunder Bay. He had a passion and gift for gardening. There were also many years enjoyed camping with his family, creating many memories. He received an iPad for his 85th birthday which he became more skilled at using than some of his children, and allowed him to enjoy many hours on FaceTime with his children and grandchildren. Bill married Evelyn Webb June 3, 2017. They enjoyed almost 3 years of marriage until Evelyn’s passing May 3, 2020. Bill recently celebrated his 95th birthday surrounded by his loving family.
Bill is survived by his children Bob and Marina Hoogsteen, Peter and Elena Hoogsteen, Jeannie Costanzo and Gary Fedun, Barb Margarit, Archie and Corinne Hoogsteen, Sonia VanderVegte, Ken Hoogsteen and Conny Udri, Gary and Sharon Hoogsteen; his sister Elizabeth Viens; 24 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.
Bill is predeceased by his wife Ann, son Billy, sons-in-law Louie Costanzo and Rick Margarit, daughter-in-law Louise Hoogsteen, second wife Evelyn, his parents Bareld and Boukje Hoogsteen, brother Arthur Hoogsteen, and sisters young Elizabeth Hoogsteen and Margaret Dornbush.
Funeral services for Wiebe Hoogsteen will be Monday, December 16 at 12:30 PM at United Reformed Church, 23 Highway 130. Interment graveside service will be at 11:30 AM at Stanley Hill Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the United Reformed Church on Sunday, December 15 from 7 to 9 PM. In lieu of flowers donations to the Thunder Bay Christian School would be appreciated. The link to the service can be found at thunderbayurc.com. Arrangements entrusted to the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 May Street S.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
