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Barry Hoekstra Obituary
August 30, 1956 - September 26, 2014
Shreveport, LA - Reverend Barry Hoekstra died peacefully on September 26, 2014 at Grace Home Hospice in Shreveport. He was 58 years old and had been recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. His grace and courage in the face of death was an inspiration to those who knew him.
Barry was born on August 30, 1956 in Ridgewood, New Jersey to Charles and Catherine Hoekstra. He is survived by his wife Lisa Hoekstra and daughter Samantha Hoekstra. The third of four boys, Barry is also survived by his mother Catherine, his twin brother Larry Hoekstra of Boynton Beach, Florida; brothers Steven Hoekstra of Sandisfield, Massachusetts; and Bruce Hoekstra of College Station, Texas.
He moved from New Jersey to Louisiana in 1979 and met Lisa Guy of Columbia, Louisiana, whom he married in 1980. They have one daughter, Samantha Hoekstra, of New Orleans. Barry graduated magna cum laude from Centenary College of Shreveport in 1989, and went on to Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary of Evanston, Illinois, where he earned a Master of Divinity in 1992.
Since that time, he has served as an ordained elder in the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He began his pastoral career at Noel Memorial United Methodist Church of Shreveport and also served churches in Abbeville, Pecan Island, Winnfield, Houma, and Alexandria. At the time of his death he was senior pastor at St. Luke's United Methodist Church of Shreveport.
In addition to his pastoral duties, he enjoyed being involved with various community endeavors, including serving on hospital boards, volunteering with The Shepherd Center of Alexandria and Habitat for Humanity, and working with the youth groups at his churches.
Those who knew Barry will remember his incisive wit and unique sense of humor, displayed for all on his Facebook profile, which he used as an electronic outlet in his ministry. For many years he wrote a weekly Epistle for his congregants. He also wrote weekly newspaper columns both in Shreveport and Alexandria, the most recent of which was published on September 24, 2014, and reflected upon his cancer diagnosis.
Visitation will be held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church on Youree Drive on Sunday, September 28, from 5:00-7:00pm. A memorial service will be celebrated at Noel Memorial United Methodist Church on Monday, September 29 at 1:00pm with a reception to follow. To honor Barry's memory, sense of humor, and bold fashion sense, those who would be comfortable are invited to wear Hawaiian shirts, TOMS sneakers, and/or wacky socks. In lieu of flowers, please support the Pumpkin Patch at St. Luke's United Methodist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Hoekstra
John Winn
October 2, 2014
When a colleague in ministry dies, especially one as deeply committed as Barry, all colleagues in ministry go through a lasting and defining change. That is surely true of me. The uniqueness Barry brought to both life and ministry is irreplaceable.
Shalom, dear friend, John Winn
Alonzo and Jackie Campbell
October 1, 2014
Our prayers go out from Jackie and Alonzo to Barry's family.I shall always appreciate Barry's support during my tenure as Special Ministries Director of the LA Conference UMC!Also,I treasure his recent article regarding reconciliation among God's people on earth in the Shreveport Times.It was a masterpiece from God !
Claudia Bennett
September 30, 2014
My prayers are for both of you, Lisa and Sam. I will miss him for not only his humor, but the inspirational articles that he has written for the paper.
Susie Krull
September 30, 2014
We in Winnfield were blessed to have Barry as our minister. Thoughts of him and reading/listening to his sermons are priceless. God bless you Lisa and Samantha.
Carol Stanford
September 30, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lisa & Sam, during this difficult time. Barry will be greatly missed.
Helene and Jimmy Walker
September 30, 2014
Lisa and Sam, we have such wonderful memories of Barry. He was mentor to both of us during our time as local pastors. His strong support and his humor were both invaluable to us. We will keep you in our prayers.
Debbie Laffitte
September 30, 2014
Will miss your humor, your wonderful stories, your colorful socks and shirts.
Your brought life back to St Luke's. See you later my friend, when its my time to come home!
Barbara Duke
September 29, 2014
Could not make it to the services today, but sent prayers from the Westbank. Barry was a good friend and colleague and will be missed by all. Always an adventure just standing close to him. Blessings!
Barbara and Jeff Duke
Les & Millie Hoekstra
September 29, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to Lisa and Sam (and Lucy). Celebrating the humor, compassion and joyful life of Barry. A great memory of surprising Barry by sitting in sanctuary of St. Luke's waiting for him to begin the service.
Bobbie Andrews
September 29, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Richard Bushnell
September 29, 2014
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
In deepest Sympathy, Richard Bushnell
Evelyn Morris
September 29, 2014
Lisa, Sam,and family (Luci), My prayers are with you for God to sustain you with strength, comfort, and peace.
Kim Brice
September 29, 2014
Knowing Barry has been a joy. He always made us laugh in each and every situation. He will be missed terribly!
Grace Hammond, Beth and Kim Brice
Kathy Turner
September 29, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God watch over you and comfort you.
LeAnna & Robert Dockery
September 29, 2014
Lisa and Sam...You are in my every thought and prayer. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with us. He has made our every day brighter and more wonderful...a truly precious gift from above. I have no words to express the love I have for you, or for the man that made the even worst of days full of sunshine and laughter. But know that we love you dearly and constantly pray for peace and comfort for you. We love you.
Millie Prudhomme
September 29, 2014
May God keep you and your family in His loving care and give you peace.
Diane Nyland
September 29, 2014
Thoughts and prayers
Charlene & Grady Spears
September 29, 2014
Dear Sam and Lisa,
My heart goes out to you and the rest of Barry's family. I know there is nothing I can say that will make it better now but know that you are both in our thoughts and prayers. I am trying arrange to make a donation to the Pumpkin Patch in memory of Barry as you have requested.
Carolyn Ashley
September 28, 2014
Prayers for your family.
Brenda Roark
September 28, 2014
Our prayers are with you and your family.
david nugent ñugent
September 28, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, LISA. We'll miss Barry. David and Linda NUGENT
Deen Thompson
September 28, 2014
Prayers from Nashville TN in celebration of Barry's life & ministry. May his family be surrounded by love as they journey through these days.
Joyce Thibodeaux
September 28, 2014
I will miss Barry, and I have many fond memories of the time he was our minister in Houma. I'm praying for Lisa, Sam, and other family members.
September 28, 2014
Hugs and prayers for you Lisa and Samantha and the family. I shall never forget Barry.
Margaret
September 28, 2014
Love, prayers and gratitude for your sharing with FUMCA. May God's peace and grace be with you.
Margaret and Carolina
September 28, 2014
God's grace, peace and love surround you. Our love reaches out to you, and Sam (and Luci).
Roland Lill
September 28, 2014
Barry is gone from this place, but he will never be forgotten by those who knew him. Prayers for the family's comfort.
Larry and Sharon Alexander
September 28, 2014
Always enjoyed Barry's newspaper articles. My wife Sharon (Bratton) is from Columbia. Jesus will take away all the pain.
Pat Thurmon
September 28, 2014
Lisa and Sam,
I have many fond memories of your time in Winnfield. Your family exemplifies what a servant to God should hold. Our thoughts and prayers continue.
Todd and Sabrina Punch & Family
September 28, 2014
It was with great joy to have known Rev. Barry and to have him serve as our pastor at First United Methodist Church of Houma, Louisiana. Our deepest sympathy to the Hoekstra family
Barbara Einsel
September 28, 2014
Our prayers are with you, Lisa. What a fine friend, minister, and Christian he has been. We know God is welcoming him home with no more pain. We send our love and prayers. Revs. Alan & Barbara Einsel (retired)
Audley and Randy loewen
September 28, 2014
So sad to hear this. Praying for the family.
Glennell Cottrill
September 28, 2014
Our prayers continue for you. Grief is enevitable even while we rejoice in Barry's life continuing with The Lord.
Rev. Lane Cotton Winn
September 28, 2014
We are holding your close in our hearts and prayers this day as you walk this journey towards healing and wholeness. Barry always brought a smile to our face, and even in his death, those smiles remain melded on our hearts.
Carolyn Fletcher
September 28, 2014
Lisa and Sam, it was a pleasure to have served with Barry at 1st UMC Alexandria. His door was always open to give advice or have a good laugh. The memories are precious. My love and prayers are with the entire Hoekstra family.
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Aulds Funeral Home - Shreveport7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71115
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