Alvin Victor Hoekman

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September 17, 1941 ~ December 5, 2016

Alvin V. Hoekman, 75, Brandon, died Monday, December 5, 2016, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family.

Only private family services will be held.

Alvin Victor Hoekman was born September 17, 1941, in Joubert, SD, to Wesley and Nellie (Van Zee) Hoekman. He attended school and graduated from Platte High School. Al played in and lettered in every sport. Upon graduation, Al went to Dordt College in IA. Al had no desire to become a teacher and so he started working in sales. He also enlisted in the SD Army National Guard in Platte and served for six years. Al’s career led him to Mitchell where he sold Kirby Vacuum Cleaners. Al was most well known as the Volkswagen dealership owner of Import Motors in Mitchell, SD. On December 2, 1973, Al married Bette J. Passehl in Mitchell. Together, they had a combined family of six wonderful children. In one of Al’s many terms of retirement, he started a business in Brandon, SD, with son Brett, where he and Bette resided, known as Brandon Spirits.

Al loved his family very much. He spent much of his time teaching his children many life’s lessons about responsibility, patience, sales, honesty, and family values. Several of his commonly quoted phrases included, “treat people fairly,” “work hard”, “save a little money every month”, “own your mistakes”, “there is no shame in folding”, and “It takes two fools to argue, and I’m no fool!” Proudly, he taught all of his grandchildren how to play poker and shoot pool. Being athletic, Al also coached many team sports.

Al will be deeply missed. Quoting his grandson, Nick, “Grandpa. Thanks for folding. You dealt your cards and now you are in paradise.”

Grateful for having shared his life is his wife of 43 years, Bette (Passehl); his six children, Victor (Suzanne) Hoekman, Abilene, KS, Kevin J. (Annie) Hoekman, Abilene, KS, Mike (Jan) Karber, Hartford, SD, Hollie Karber, Mitchell, SD, Kim (Paul) Vuchetich, Rhinelander, WI, and Brett (Danielle) Karber, Brandon; twenty-three grandchildren, Shauni, Tara, Tanner, Dakota, Shay, Heath, Lane, Jenny, Lorenzo, Sage, Robbie, Oriya, Nathan, Matt, Kim, Chris, Ryan, Josh, Chase, Shawn, Corey, Nate, and Nick; eight great-grandchildren, Christian, Jackson, Conner, Tasia, Amalie, Anadale, Everly, and Graham.

Al was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Fredrick Hoekman, and Anna Schultz.

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  • Holly Swenson says:

    Dear Bette & family, I always enjoyed visiting with Al whenever our paths crossed. He was always upbeat and interesting. Sincerely, Holly Swenson

  • The Sigler Family says:

    May the “hearer of prayer”continue to sustain your family during this most difficult time. Share your memories,as you lean on each other for encouragement to stay strong.We hope that the many cards,hugs, kind words,and loving prayers give your family comfort.

  • Jody (Hoekman) Sternberg says:

    Bette/Victor/Kevin & families:

    We were saddened to hear the news of Uncle Al’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Praying for the family at this difficult time.

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