Serving West Michigan Since 1899
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113668/113668-life-panel.jpg

William Hekman

February 5, 1928 - September 12, 2016
Grand Rapids, MI

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113668/113668-01.jpg



Visitation

Monday, September 19, 2016
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT
Harderwyk Ministries
1627 W. Lakewood Blvd.
Holland, MI 49424
(616) 399-9190

Service

Monday, September 19, 2016
12:00 PM EDT
Harderwyk Ministries
1627 W. Lakewood Blvd.
Holland, MI 49424
(616) 399-9190

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Back to God Ministries International
1700 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Life Story / Obituary


//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113668/113668-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113668/113668-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113668/113668-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113668/113668-05.jpg
Print

William Hekman, age 88, a longtime resident of Holland, drew his last breath at the final Amen of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus at twilight on September 12, 2016, and entered the presence of his Lord and Savior.

He loved his family. He was a faithful son to his parents. He was also a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He came to America in 1952 with his bride, Gaye, and together they raised 4 children, had a successful family business (Hekman Heating), supported their church and their community in many ways, including active participation in Kiwanis. They loved to travel. William tried never to stay in the same place twice so that they could learn more. This was just one of many ways that they passed on to their children a love of learning. After selling their business they increased their work with RACOM (radio ministry of the Back to God Hour) and spent more than a year as station managers for Voice of Life Radio in Dominica, where they were fondly known on the island as "Brother Bill and Sister Gaye". This was a highlight of their life and service; together they loved the people of Dominica.

William Hekman was a friend to all and lived life abundantly. He leaves his wife, Gaye, bride of 65+ years and friend of 80+ years; 4 children, Shirley (Frederick) Fleischman, Ed (Becky) Hekman, Mary Hekman, Fred (Karen) Hekman; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. God is faithful.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., Monday, September 19, 2016 at Harderwyk Ministries, 1627 W. Lakewood Blvd. in Holland. Reverends Mary Dewitt and Henry Admiraal will be officiating. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to the Back to God Ministries International, 1700 28th Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113668/113668-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113668/113668-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113668/113668-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113668/113668-05.jpg