Robert Lewis VanHofwegen

Robert Lewis VanHofwegen passed away peacefully and went to be with his Savior on September 25.  He fought the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.  He is now in heaven.  Mr. VanHofwegen was born in Hawarden, Iowa in 1931 to Arie and Johanna VanHofwegen.  The family moved to Southern California in 1940.  He was an Army veteran and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1953 to 1955.  A long time dairy farmer, Mr. VanHofwegen and his wife Victoria started their first dairy in Laveen, Arizona, in 1959.  In 1966, he began dairying in Tolleson, Arizona, and retired in 2000.  He was a member of the United Dairymen of Arizona and previously served on their Board of Directors. In 2012, he was honored by the Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame for his contributions to the farming community.  Mr. VanHofwegen was a strong Christian who lived out his faith by serving on the boards of several Christian ministries.  He was a strong supporter of Christian education and proudly served on the boards of Western Christian School and Phoenix Christian Junior/Senior High School.  He was also a member of Orangewood Christian Reformed Church and served as an elder for many years.  Mr. VanHofwegen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Victoria, his sons, Robert and Andrea VanHofwegen, David and Janet VanHofwegen, Paul and Sheila VanHofwegen, Donald and Ingrid VanHofwegen; and his daughters Linda Shook and Jeff, and Sarah VanDyken and Eric.  He is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.  Visitation will be Monday, September 30, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road in Goodyear.  A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 1st at 11:00 AM at Phoenix Christian Reformed Church, 2438 E. Earll Drive in Phoenix.  The family suggests donations be made to Banner Alzheimer’s Institute.