Donald Robert "Don" Hoogland

With deep love and gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of Donald (Don) Robert Hoogland announces his peaceful passing on October 29, 2025, in Dallas, TX, at the age of 93. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather "Opa", great-grandfather, brother, uncle, faithful friend, and pillar of his community. Don dedicated his life to caring deeply for others and treasuring those he loved. Now, he rests peacefully with our Lord and Savior.

A Memorial Service will be held at Lake Highlands United Methodist Church, 9015 Plano Road, Dallas, TX, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM, officiated by Reverend Andy Roberts. Visitation will be held in the church sanctuary from 10:00 AM until the service begins. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 PM at Peatown Church Cemetery in Longview, TX.

Born November 22, 1931, in Hollandale, MN, to John Dirk and Winifred Mills Hoogland, Don was raised in a Dutch immigrant dairy-farming family. The family later moved to Louisiana, where he grew up on the Louisiana Tech Farm with his siblings. After graduating from Ruston High School, he earned a degree in Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Louisiana Tech University. Don proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953, stationed in Germany and California.

On April 19, 1957, Don married the love of his life, Virginia Hiemenz Hoogland; they shared 53 wonderful years together until her passing in 2010. He served with distinction at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 30 years, retiring in 1985 as an Administrator of the Child Nutrition Service. In retirement, he obtained an auto dealer's license to sell vintage Ford Mustangs, partnered with his brother, Fredric, to relocate Hoogland's Nursery from Ruston to Bossier City, LA, and later entered the commercial refrigeration sales business. His unwavering integrity earned widespread respect.

Don's true passion was community service, especially helping the less fortunate. He started the Bread Ministry at Lake Highlands United Methodist Church and led it for over 30 years, donating more than one million pounds of food to local homeless shelters and food banks. He also regularly volunteered at Austin Street Shelter, feeding Dallas' homeless. Don and Virginia were dedicated members of Lake Highlands United Methodist Church since 1971 and treasured their dear friends in their Koinonia Sunday School class.

Don was a founding member of the Lake Highlands Soccer Association in 1972 and coached his sons' teams for many years. He loved gardening and shared his harvest generously with neighbors. Known for his humor and warm presence, he enjoyed visiting with anyone who crossed his path, and he never met a stranger.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Hiemenz Hoogland (2010); his parents, John Dirk and Winifred Mills Hoogland; and his brothers, Richard, James, and Fredric Hoogland. He is survived by his four children: Angela Hoogland Byram (Danny), Donald Hoogland, Jr. (Kimberly), Steven Hoogland (Tammy), and Timothy Hoogland (Leanne); nine grandchildren: Jeremy Byram, Jordan Hoogland, Corina Byram, Alisha Byram, Case Hoogland, Bailey Hoogland, Avary Hoogland, Zachary Hoogland, Harper Hoogland; five great-grandchildren; his sister Jane Hoogland McDermott (Tom); sisters-in-law Dorothy Hoogland and Margaret Hoogland; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The pallbearers shall be Jeremy Byram, Jordan Hoogland, Case Hoogland, Zachary Hoogland, Blake LeMaster, Jace LeMaster, and Todd Tatum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Austin Street Center or the Network of Community Ministries (NETWORK).

Don embodied kindness, patriotism, and unwavering family devotion. His warmth, humor, wisdom, and gentle spirit will remain in our hearts forever.