Stuart Hoekman

Stuart Hoekman, 70, of Corona, SD, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at his residence near Corona.

A celebration of Stuart’s life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Burial will take place at 12:00 p.m. at the Corona Baptist Cemetery, followed by a gathering of family and friends at the home of Paul and Sherry DeBoer. A light lunch will be served, and all are welcome to stop by anytime in the afternoon.

Stuart Lee Hoekman was born on February 4, 1955, in Ortonville, MN, to Maynard and Evelyn (DeBoer) Hoekman. He grew up on a farm outside of Corona, where he attended school. After completing his education, Stuart built a career as an independent carpenter. His work took him abroad for several years to England, where he continued in construction before returning to Corona to carry on his carpentry trade. He was a superb finish carpenter who often ended up fixing jobs others could not complete, or jobs from which they had simply walked away.

Stuart loved wood and its natural beauty. He cherished living in the country and shuddered at the idea of moving into town. Although fiercely independent, he never forgot a birthday and always had a big heart. He cared deeply for his cats and dog, who were like family to him.

The hard physical labor of his chosen profession gradually took its toll and eventually disabled him, forcing him to give up contract carpentry. He would never take a job he could not complete to his own high standards.

Stuart is survived by his brothers: Earl Hoekman (Linda) of Roseville, MN; and Michael (Deborah) of Houston, TX; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Connie Hoekman.