Warner Hoeksema, a beloved family patriarch and devoted community member and public servant, has died at the age of 92.
Hoeksema passed away Thursday, Nov. 21 at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital, following an illness.
A life-long, self-employed vegetable farmer, Warner and his brother-in-law operated Hoeksema-Jager Celery and Vegetable Farms in Imlay City for many years. He was a member of the Imlay City Christian Reformed Church (Church Elder); Past-president of Imlay City Christian School (a school board member); Imlay City American Legion; Imlay City Fire Department for 46 years (25 years as fire chief), before retiring in 1996.
He was a member of the Lapeer County Firemens Association and was honored by the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce as its 2008 “Citizen of the Year.” In 2018, Warner served as Grand Marshal in Imlay City’s inaugural Busker Fest Parade.
Warner Hoeksema’s funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25 at the Imlay City Christian Reformed Church, 395 Cedar St., Imlay City, MI.
The Rev. Alex Snider, pastor of the Imlay City Christian Reformed Church, will officiate. Burial will follow in Imlay Township Cemetery. Visiting hours are from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24 at Muir Brothers Funeral Home in Imlay City; and on Monday, Nov. 25 from 10-11:30 a.m at the Imlay City Christian Reformed Church at 395 Cedar St.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Hoeksema’s memory may direct them to the Imlay City Christian School.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
