08/23/2011
Billie Elberta Hoekstra, daughter of Cecil and Daisy Maude (Richards) Shawver, was born December 5, 1916, on her family's farm near Pleasantville, Iowa. She attended school in Pleasantville, graduating from Knoxville High School. Following graduation, Billie attended Central College in Pella where she received a degree in education.
Billie taught in Crownwell, Iowa before marrying Jake Hoekstra on August 31, 1940. They were married in Knoxville, Iowa. To this union two children were born. Billie and Jake moved to northwest Iowa where Billie taught at Ocheyden, Lake Center, Gillet Grove, Graettinger, Terril and Emmetsburg Catholic School. While at these schools Billie taught English, music, French, speech and drama and directed numerous school plays.
Billie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven where she had been active in circle. She was the choir director at the church from 1946 until 1958.
Billie gave piano lessons to many individuals. She truly enjoyed following all of the athletic events that Jake coached as well as all of the extra curricular activities that her children and grandchildren participated in. Billie was part of a musical trio with her sisters. She was an avid sports fan but was especially fond of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Billie and Jake lived on Lost Island Lake and she enjoyed their trips to Canada fishing. She held the family record for the largest walleye and northern caught. In her later years, Billie volunteered to play piano at area care centers.
Billie passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at the Elizabeth E. Martin Health Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters, Maureen Glenn, Jennie Harsin, and Josephine Black; and an infant brother, LeRoy.
She is survived by her children, Dr. Greg Hoekstra and his wife, Anne of Waterloo, IA and Gwen Hoekstra of Fall Creek, WI; three grandsons, Peter Hoekstra of Geneva, Switzerland, Timothy Hoekstra and his wife, Anne of Cedar Falls, IA and Christopher Hoekstra and his wife, Maria of Cedar Falls, IA and their daughter, Adaline; one sister, Dixie Kanago of Spencer, IA; as well as many other relatives and friends.
HONORARY BEARERS
Helen Imes
Willie Bielfeldt
Don Spencer
CASKET BEARERS
Peter Hoekstra
Timothy Hoekstra
Christopher Hoekstra
Bryce Kanago
Kevin Black
Larry Harsin
Kay Harsin
INTERMENT
Crown Hill Cemetery
Ruthven, Iowa
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home