Ronald Lynn Hoekstra

Ronald Lynn Hoekstra 

July 12, 1951 - August 9, 2026

Ronald Lynn Hoekstra, 75, passed away on August 9, 2026. He was born on July 12, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, to Arvetta Sue Hoekstra and Gerry Hoekstra.

Ron was a one-of-a-kind person whose larger-than-life personality touched the lives of countless people. An extrovert and true social butterfly, he never met a stranger. He was quick-witted, hardworking, outgoing, and always ready with a story, a joke, or a helping hand. His ability to make friends wherever he went was one of the many things that made him so memorable to those who knew and loved him.

Ron was the second oldest of seven siblings. After the passing of his older brother, Doug, Ron became the head of the family and embraced that role with love, strength, and dedication. Family was incredibly important to him, and he carried that responsibility throughout his life.

A natural salesman and entrepreneur, Ron built a successful career in carpet sales and owned a carpet business in Ocala, Florida. His hardworking nature and gift for connecting with people served him well throughout his career. Later, he transitioned into high-end plumbing sales, where his expertise, dedication, and exceptional people skills continued to set him apart. No matter the industry, Ron's ability to build relationships and earn the trust of customers contributed greatly to his success.

Ron had an extraordinary love for barefoot water skiing. What began as a hobby became a defining part of his life. He coached and taught members of the World Barefoot Team and served as the chief boat driver for a barefoot water ski team. He dedicated countless hours to the sport he loved, sharing his knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion with others. For Ron, the water was more than a place to ski-it was a place where friendships were made, memories were created, and he could do what he loved most.

When a back injury eventually forced Ron to step away from barefoot water skiing, he found a new passion in deep-sea fishing. For the last 30 years of his life, deep-sea fishing became another important part of who he was. More than just a hobby, it gave Ron a place where he could continue doing what he loved-being on the water and surrounded by people. Through fishing, he found another family, building friendships, and creating memories that lasted for three decades. The people he met through deep-sea fishing became incredibly important to him, and the bond they shared was something he treasured deeply.

Whether he was barefoot skiing, driving the boat, deep-sea fishing, working, or simply surrounded by friends and family, Ron had a way of bringing people together. He was a true social butterfly who made friends wherever he went and left an impression on nearly everyone he met.

Ron was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, Kelly Hoekstra Wise (John), Joey Hoekstra (Kelly), Kim Rispo (Gabe), Kyle Davis (Christina); five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings, Dale Hoekstra, Donald Hoeksra, Sandra Handrahan (Joe), and Susan Hodges, extended family, and many friends who became like family throughout his life.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Arvetta Sue and Gerry Hoekstra; his brothers Doug Hoekstra and Darryl Hoekstra; and those his grandsons, Herschel Wise, Chandler Wise, and Carter Davis.

Ron leaves behind a legacy of laughter, friendship, hard work, family, and an unforgettable love for the water. He lived life with an open heart and an outgoing spirit. He built friendships that lasted decades, found family in unexpected places, and created memories that will live on through the people who loved him.

His presence was larger than life, and his absence will be deeply felt. Though he may no longer be driving the boat, barefoot skiing across the water, or casting a line into the deep sea, the stories, laughter, friendships, and love he left behind will continue to carry his memory forward.

Ron will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed.