In loving memory of our cherished Bernard Henry Hoogland, age 73, who in the early hours of May 1, 2024 (at the same Butterworth Hospital where he was born), passed peacefully into heaven with the certainty of his resurrection through Christ, claiming in the final days he feared not death for "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth."

Born August 29, 1950 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Rev. Jacob and Dorothea Hoogland, Bernie grew up in three Canadian communities where his father served as a Christian Reformed minister. Among his early jobs, including hoeing sugar beets at age thirteen, Bernie was a delivery driver for Standard Kitchens, later becoming an owner operator truck driver, before becoming a full-time parent.

Despite several early forays toward a history degree, he persisted later in life, furthering his education by earning a bachelor's of sociology from Calvin College while simultaneously raising three children with Helen and also working full-time. Bernie spent the latter half of his career as a supervisor in the Kent County Department of Human Services.

Bernie was a proud and devoted supporter of his children's many athletic, musical, and educational endeavors, and more recently, his wife's running activities. After retirement, he and Helen enjoyed traveling by train, hiking in national parks, and relaxing at their Traverse City condo.

Possessed of a strong intellect, he was often fond of lively and detailed discussions about current events, theology, philosophy, and history. Believing actions speak louder than words, he followed Christ's command to "love thy neighbor" through his resolution to remain in the Boston Square neighborhood for over forty years.

His deep convictions about both being an example of Christ's love in his local community and fulfilling God's mandate in the Book of Genesis to steward creation, guided many of his life's decisions, compelling him to often exhort on the importance of creation care, regularly pick up litter, clear snow from neighbor's sidewalks and driveways, make long-lasting connections with his neighbors, regularly visit sick friends and relatives, maintaining and improving upon the energy efficiency of their house, and maintaining his fuel-saving 1996 Toyota Camry. Bernard and Helen became members of Christ The King Presbyterian Church in America in Hastings, Michigan, where he made his profession of faith.

Bernie's early love of playing baseball, hockey, and golf was later replaced by his devoted love for his family, including for his surviving wife Helen, his three children, Gregory, and his wife Helena Hoogland; Carrie and her husband Elliott Bark; and his son, Alexander Hoogland. Bernie leaves behind five precious grandchildren who he adored: Evan, Theo, and Owen Hoogland; and Lewis and Luther Bark.

Welcoming his arrival in heaven are his parents, Rev. Jacob and Dorothea Hoogland; his sister Nella Uitvlugt; and three half-siblings: Helen Meulink, John Hoogland, and Marvin Hoogland.

He is survived by one brother, Bill and his wife Grace Hoogland; and his sisters and their husbands: Ann Hoogland, Ruth and Bernie DeHoog, Esther and Jim Rehmus, Dorothy Hoogland Verkerk, and Mary and Ed DeGroot. Numerous nieces and nephews and his wife's large Zylstra family also grieve his passing.

Bernie's valiant battle against multiple myeloma spanned over six years; his fight against the cancer through extreme pain in the final months is a testament to his strength, perseverance, and to the words "our hope for you (Christ) is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate blood and/or platelet donations to the American Red Cross or local blood banks, or gifts to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation .

Bernie's funeral service is planned for 11:00 am Monday, May 6, at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE). The family will have visitation from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, May 5 and 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday, May 6, prior to the service.