Ray Hoogewerf Obituary

HOOGEWERF, RAY, D., 76, of Oldsmar, Florida, passed away on October 16, 2024, at home under the care of Empath Hospice and his loving wife. His death follows a two-year battle with gastro esophageal cancer, during which he was able to remain upbeat and maintain his offbeat sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 31 years: Patricia (Letts) Hoogewerf. His cherished daughters: Sally Hoogewerf and Carly (Joe) Massa. His grandchildren; Lucius (Daisy) Dyal, Kinsey Dyal, Joey Massa, and Jillian Massa; His siblings: Roger (Becky) Hoogewerf, Rinkje Hoogewerf, and Rohn Hoogewerf; His nieces and nephews: Adam Zondor, Noah (Teri) Zondor, Brianna (Eric) Kocon, Rhonda Hoogewerf, Alyssa Hoogewerf, and Carson Hoogewerf; His aunts: Peggy Krudup and Leetha Hoogewerf; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Cornelius "Bud" Hoogewerf and his mother Shirley Hoogewerf.
Ray graduated from Highland High School, Highland, Indiana, in 1966. He went on to study briefly at Indiana University's Northwest Campus. After dropping out, he was drafted into the US Army in 1969, trained at the Quartermaster School in Ft. Lee, Virginia, finishing as his class's Distinguished Graduate. He was then deployed to Phu Bai, Vietnam. Just a year after being drafted, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant E6 while working as Battalion Supply Sergeant. He was later awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces.
Born and raised in Highland, Indiana, he moved to Palm Harbor, Florida, in 1986 and then to neighboring Oldsmar in 2002. Ray's career included Co-ownership of Henderlong Lumber in Crown Point, Indiana, General Manager of Yakle Lumber in Palm Harbor, Florida, and General Manager of Overhead Door of Clearwater, Florida. After retiring in 2012, Ray and two lifelong friends founded and ran a children's charity with a focus on the education and welfare of the neediest.
A memorial service will be held at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, Florida, on December 7, 2024, at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Empath Hospice of Palm Harbor, Florida.
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