Hello Starr, Connie, Jen, and David and family, I am comforted to know Howard is with our Lord and Savior. I am also aware of the mountainous loss you feel at this time. I feel it, too, as Howard and Starr were so much a part of my life while Jim was sick and after he passed. Your family always gave to so many, and I want you to know if you need me, Starr, I am here. I still look forward to sitting with you in church and also keeping up with meeting for dinner or lunch when you are ready. Just giving you a big hug now and know that I pray for you daily. Love, Barb

I just saw Jennie’s beautiful tribute. Howard was best man at our wedding- a true friend and fraternity brother. a brother and colleague in ministry. I loved Howard like a brother and his beautiful wife Starr. As he passed from this life into eternity, I am convinced that nothing “can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus”. He knew that and so do I. Prayers and love from us to the Hoekstra family
Knight & Susan Wells

Jennie your words are beautiful and calming. I cannot begin to tell you how impactful, inspirational and soul saving Howard has been for me and my Family. For more than 30 years he has been the Rock that I've leaned on, so many times. Howard, Starr and your entire Family have been a Blessing to our Church. I can reflect on weddings, funerals, illnesses, tribulations of all kinds and Howard was always there to help me celebrate the joy or work through the trials. Incredibly, he did the same for hundreds if not thousands of others. I could never understand how he could make it work as a Shepherd for so many, but he did. Howard was a Brother, friend and counselor. I loved spending time with him. There was a peace about him that was infectious. We were blessed to spend many joyful occasions with Howard and Starr. I struggle to understand sometimes but we must carry on. I am so thankful that Howard introduced me to Jesus. I am Equally thankful the Jesus introduced me to Howard.

Thank you so much for your updates. We will all grieve Howard as he was such a big part of our lives. He will be greatly missed until we meet again in heaven. Deepest sympathies to your whole family as you mourn him. May God continue to bless all of you.

Beautiful words Jen. Our hearts and love are with you and Starr and all the Hoekstras. Howard was a wonderful friend and Shepard to our family. He always showed up. For everyone. All the time. Selfless. Starr your marriage and friendship was such an inspiration to us. Such joy! Thank you Hoekstra family for sharing your humble sweet Howard with all of us. We are forever grateful for Howard’s investment into us. Heavens gain !!!! “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
The Caravettes

Jennie you wrote beautiful words just like your Dad. We will miss him and we love you all. In our prayers. George and Dawn

Howard taught us how to love one another. Yesterday I listened to his sermon from Nov.18, 2018, on Heaven. Loved hearing Howard say with great emotion, “ I want to see Jesus!” And now he has. Dale & I send our love to all of you. We will listen from Florida to his memorial service. ❤️🙏

From our family to yours, we are sending our prayers and heartfelt condolences for your loss. Although there is peace in knowing Howard is with our Heavenly Father and free from cancer and pain, I know your pain in losing such a wonderful and Godly man in all your lives is devastating and heartbreaking. We love you and are here if there is anything we can do. 🙏🏻

Oh, how we will miss this man who was “Jesus with skin on”! He was the embodiment of a true shepherd, and never more apparent than when, as new visitors to Calvary, he came to Loyola to minister to Bill and me when we were there having pre-term labor with Taylor. He must have come to visit us in the hospital at least 5 times over the 3 1/2 months we were there, even though we were new to Calvary, not even members yet, and pretty newly married. The impact he had on our lives cannot be overstated. He really did show us the heart of Jesus, and it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I treasure so many memories of Howard and Starr ministering to us, and treasure their friendship. We will miss him, but look so forward to seeing him again one day! ❤️

"Well Don Good And Faithful Servant , Well Done"! The Vasilopulos/Brown Family!!!