Gerald Hooyman

Gerald "Jerry" Victor Hooyman, born to life on October 18, 1953 and entered into eternal life on December 20, 2023 with his family by his side at the age of 70. On November 3, 1973, he married the love of his life, Lorraine Pietz. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Jerry was proud to be a farmer, growing up on the Hooyman Family Farm. As an adult, he worked for the Van Straten Farm for 15 years, before purchasing his own hobby farm in 1988. Additional employment over the years included Simmons Factory, Tom Van Handle's Waste, Waste Management, and Graichen Sanitation, before retiring in 2018.

Known for his big heart, Jerry served the Lord through his helping hands as he volunteered his time generously as a member of St. Denis Parish and the Knights of Columbus. Whether it was assisting a neighboring farmer, shoveling snow for someone in need, or working the local church fundraiser, he never turned away a chance to help someone. He was very proud of his family and loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, attending as many sporting events as possible. Jerry found enjoyment taking early morning drives, golfing, playing cards, and socializing with family and friends. He was never far from his best friends Tom and Karen Jahnke.

He is survived by his wife Lorraine; children: Tracy (Lonnie Young) Hooyman, Andy (Stacy) Hooyman, Kristy (Brian) Widmann, and Tina (Cody) Parker; grandchildren: Courtney, Connor, Trevor (Marie), Skylor, Trenton, Myles, Hailey, Isla, Andrea, and Maddoc; great grandchildren: Savanna, Evelyn, Victor and Blakely; siblings: Jim (Joy) Hooyman, Mary Sue (John) Schmude, Jean (Jerome) Schroth, Rita (Dan) Schroth, Elaine (Dan) Conradt, Connie Hooyman, Carla (Al) Chizek, Bill Hooyman, and Bonnie Hooyman; in-laws: Leon (Barb) Pietz, and Linda Marotz; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Herbert and Agnes (Peeters) Hooyman; siblings: Robert, Joan, Francis and Paul Hooyman; in-laws: Robert and Mary Pietz, Marvin Marotz; and nephews Zachary, Colton, and Nathan.

The funeral mass for Jerry will be at St. Denis Catholic Church, N5591 2nd Street, Shiocton on Tuesday December 26, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Fr. Michael Thiel officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 8:00 AM until the time of services. Interment to follow at St. Denis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

So God Made a Farmer

For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head.

Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.

Your labor is done, your home is now heaven: no more must you wait.

Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, so we will close the gate.

Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed to Jerry's family at www.muehlboettcher.com.