Daniel Wayne "Hoekie" Hoekstra was born April 15, 1958, to Gerald and Ruby (Mathes) Hoekstra in Pella, Iowa.

Dan lived near Pella his whole life and attended Pella schools. His first job was in the coal mines, and he spent his entire life in the construction field doing earth moving, bulldozing, and drag lines. His passion was moving dirt and  creating beauty. He also enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was married to Dawn Knowler on May 26, 1990.

Dan is survived by his daughter Calie Gullion, mother Ruby Hoekstra, brothers Ron Hoekstra, John (Kelly) Hoekstra, and sister Cindy (Dave) Gritters.

He was preceded in death by his father Gerald Hoekstra.