Dick Van Hofwegen

DICK VAN HOFWEGEN was born on July 19, 1928, to Dick and Cora (Faber) Van Hofwegen at their home near Hawarden, IA. During his childhood, they lived on various farms in northwest IA. While growing up, Dick worked for several local farmers. He continued to keep busy during the winters by working at Morrel’s Meat Packaging Plant. In the spring of 1951, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army where he would serve as a Corporal during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged in the spring of 1953. Later that year, on October 30, 1953, Dick was united in marriage to Mary Gorter at the Christian Reformed Church in Pipestone, MN. Dick and Mary made their home in Sioux Falls, SD until March of 1954, when they relocated to a farm five miles south of Pipestone. In addition to farming, Dick spent time selling welders, hauling flax straw, and driving semi-truck across the country prior to his retirement in 2012. With his extra time, he loved traveling to Texas and selling his purchases at flea markets and craft shows. On Saturday, December 21, 2019, Dick passed away at the Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, MN at the age of 91 years, five months, and two days.

Dick was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Pipestone and was also a consistory member. He was a member of the Hardwick American Legion in Hardwick, MN. Dick was a tinkerer. He loved repurposing broken items into treasures, especially when they could be gifted to the children. He will forever be remembered for his humble and hardworking nature.

Dick will be remembered by his wife, Mary of Edgerton, MN; children, Lawrence (Lois) Van Hofwegen of Castlewood, SD, Connie (Bill) Van Groningen of Tinley Park, IL, Ann Sprik of Hardwick, Deedre (Joe) Sorvaag of Houston, TX, and Dixon (Lisa) Van Hofwegen of Houston; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; siblings, Case (Albertha), Arie, John (Jessie), Herm (Joan), Mart (Bernice), Bob (Dee), Carl (Joyce); sister-in-law, Tracy Van Hofwegen (wife of Bill); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a stillborn son; great-grandson, Denver Post; his brothers, Adrian, Marinus, and Bill; and sisters, Kryna Rozeboom and Elizabeth “Liz” Fluit.