The Rev. Robert B. Hoekstra, Rector

Fr. Bob Hoekstra was born and raised in South Holland, Illinois, a south suburb of Chicago. He attended Calvin Christian School and Calvary Academy. At the age of 18, he began to discern a calling on his life for the ministry. He was encouraged to attend Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, North Dakota, and he graduated in 1981.

 He and Heidi met at Trinity and were married on September 26, 1981, in Cornell, Wisconsin.         

 They served for a few years at a Christian and Missionary Alliance church in South Holland. In 1985 he was called to be the first chaplain of the Chippewa Manor, a privately-owned retirement community in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

 Over the next 34 years, he developed programs that reached the lives of hundreds of people. In addition to his work at Chippewa Manor, he served part-time as a hospice chaplain for St. Joseph’s Hospital for 14 years. He was also a member of the United States Army Reserve for 8 years.

 In addition to a B.A. from Trinity Bible College, he earned a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies from Multnomah Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) from Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin. Additionally, he earned a Certificate of Completion from the College of Preachers at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., as well as a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

 While living in Chippewa Falls he became involved in the local community and served a total of ten years on the Chippewa Falls City Council. While on the Council he chaired the Personnel Committee, Public Safety Committee, and the Long-range Planning Committee. He also served as Council President for three years. He was elected to the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors and served for four years. During that time he chaired the Economic Development Committee and also served on the Public Health and Human Services committees. His greatest joy in public service was serving for over 20 years as a trustee on the Chippewa Falls Library Board.

 Heidi is a registered nurse and was employed by the Hospital Sisters Health System. She worked at both St. Joseph’s in Chippewa Falls and Sacred Heart in Eau Claire. She also served the Chippewa Falls community for twelve years as a member of the Chippewa Falls Parks and Recreation Board. She graduated from Chippewa Valley Technical College (A.D.N.) and Viterbo University (B.S.N.)

 Fr. Bob and Heidi have four children.