Robert Allen Hoogterp

Robert Hoogterp, age 82, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 11, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Frances Hoogterp; brother, Bill Hoogterp; brother-in-law, Pat Cox; niece, Sarah Steele; nephews Paul Hoogterp and Alan Boomgaard; and great-niece, Aubrey Hoogterp. He is survived by his wife, Carol Hoogterp; children Dave (Steve) Hoogterp, Dan (Rose) Hoogterp, Bill (Tonda) Layle, Brenda (Keith) Purvis, and Matt (Anne) Hoogterp; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings Jim (Gladys) Hoogterp, Rosemary Cox, Kathy (Andy) Hubert, John (Carol) Hoogterp, Anne (Jack) Steele; sister-in-law, Judy (Jerry) Bennett; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Our beloved husband, dad, granddad, great-granddad, and friend has left us for a better place. Bob had a 41-year marriage to Carol. Together they successfully blended their lives into one loving family. Bob cherished every moment he could get with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He made as many of their games and events as he could.

Bob had a 31-year career in leadership at Steelcase. He prioritized people over everything else. At the same time, he helped lead Steelcase forward with great strategy. Bob’s favorite saying was "Do what’s right." This was reflected in how he treated people. He saw the good in all people. He was a great active listener, and he cared. Bob’s faith was eminently important to him. He enjoyed Mass. His favorite verse was Jesus’ greatest commandment: "To love God with your whole heart, your whole mind, and your whole soul; and love your neighbor as yourself." That is how Bob lived.

Bob loved life. His favorite T-shirt was "Life is good." He loved a great game of cards (and usually won). He loved a good cookie (or two, or three). He was an avid and excellent fisherman. He and Carol took many trips with friends to Rice Lake, Canada, for bluegills, and there were many walleye runs to Lake Erie. He enjoyed listening to music, especially Willie Nelson (whom he got to meet on the golf course), and Daniel O’Donnell. He loved golf and got down to a single-digit handicap.

He approached life with a great sense of humor and wit, making him a lot of fun to be around. His belief in the goodness and dignity of all people was reflected in his passion for issues of diversity. He and Carol spent their winters in Florida and have enjoyed many great trips together. This September, he was able to take a tour of Ireland with many of his family members on the trip of a lifetime.

We are all better for having Bob in our lives. We will miss him terribly but know that he is in a better place.

Visitation will be held from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, Michigan. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, November 18, 2024 at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 159 131st Ave., Wayland, MI 49348, with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Food for the Poor. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.