Kerry Paul Hookstra passed into eternity unexpectedly at Great Plains Regional Hospital in Elk City, Oklahoma, at the age of 74 on August 14, 2022.
He is survived by his wife Renetta Hookstra of Sayre, Oklahoma, and his son Kyle Hookstra of Little Rock, Arkansas. He’s preceded in death by his parents Paul and Hazel Hookstra of Ansley, NE, his brothers Keith Hookstra of Stanton, NE, and Kevin Hookstra of Vici, OK, and his son Kip Hookstra of Portales, NM.
Kerry was born November 5, 1947, in Loup City, NE, to Paul and Hazel Hookstra. He graduated from Ansley High School in 1965 and followed with attending the University of Nebraska and graduated with a teaching degree. Further educational pursuits took him to Platte Valley Bible College, Gordon-Conwell Seminary, Pacific Christian College (Master of Divinity), and Abilene Christian University (Master of Divinity).
Though teaching was his initial pursuit, holding teacher positions in Morrill, NE, and Homer, AK, it was as a minister that he spent most of his life. He was ordained as a preacher in January 1977 at the Church at Bryant, Scottsbluff, NE, and retired from full-time ministry in 2017. During that time, he served in independent Christian Churches in Sutton, NE; Carmen, OK; Scott City, KS; Bayard, NE; Wellington, TX; Erick, OK; Downs, KS. In retirement, he also filled the pulpit for multiple churches.
Kerry deeply felt that one of the best ways he could show the love of Christ was through his involvement in his local community. He could often be found drinking coffee with friends, actively participating in Lion’s and Rotary Clubs, and visiting neighbors and friends.
His love for local school sports teams also was extremely evident and a great source of pride for Kerry. He parlayed this passion into journalistic endeavors writing sports stories in several newspapers for countless games and matches. His articles often gave recaps and summaries for student athletes who otherwise may well have gone unrecognized.
Throughout his life, Kerry excelled at making friends, retention of details and names, having a positive outlook on most any situation, and filling a potluck plate.
His life was also marked by his enjoyment of many things, but perhaps most of all he enjoyed the Nebraska Cornhuskers, clearance racks, puns, talking to strangers, moderating academic bowls, and a reason to drive somewhere.
His presence, laugh, and joviality will be greatly missed.
A memorial service is scheduled for August 27th at 11am at the First Christian Church in Sayre, OK. A graveside service is scheduled for August 31st at 11am at Ansley Cemetery in Ansley, NE. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Hands of Compassion, 1255 Royal Dr, Papillon, NE, 68046. The family would like to send their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love during this time of grieving.
