Henry Alvin “Hank” Hofland, son of John C. and Lena (Kraayenbrink) Hofland, was born on August 15, 1935, in Sanborn, Iowa. He spent his youth in rural Sanborn where he attended the Sanborn Christian School, graduating from the 8th Grade.
On Wednesday, June 18, 1958, Hank was united in marriage to Juleen Shirley DeBoom at the Christian Reformed Church located in Ireton, Iowa. The new couple began their life together farming near Melvin and Sanborn, Iowa. Three children would complete their family: Karen, Janelle and Jay. Juleen passed away in September of 2014, after spending 56 years together.
Hank was a man of strong faith and prayed for each member of his family by name after devotions daily. He served as a founding elder and was a charter member of Cornerstone United Reformed Church in Sanborn. He taught 3rd grade catechism for many years. He gave back to the community by sitting on the boards of the Sanborn Elevator as well as the Sanborn Christian School.
Hank truly enjoyed farming; he got great satisfaction from the natural cycle of planting and harvesting crops. He loved to recall earlier years when he sheared sheep. He had many stories to tell including how he was scalped in a bus accident in kindergarten. Later on, Henry enjoyed participating in local tractor rides on his restored John Deere 3020 tractor that he bought with his shearing money. In 2000, he and Juleen retired, left the farm and moved to the town of Sanborn. Living in town gave Hank more opportunities to go fishing – whether it was off the dock or in an icehouse – didn’t really matter. In the summer months, he’d be out on the golf course or in his house yard taking care of the garden and beautiful gladiolus and roses, but he was always ready to stop and chat with passersby because – Hank had never met a stranger. This applied in church as well; he enjoyed making people feel welcome. He and Juleen also tried to attend as many of their grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events as they could. Hank’s family was his pride and joy.
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Hank passed from this life at the age of 89 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Karen (Kelvin) Oostra of Euless, TX, Janelle (Howard) Rus of Sioux Center, IA, and Jay (Carla) Hofland of Sanborn, IA; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kyle (Stephanie) Oostra, Weston and Tinley of Rock Rapids, IA, Kaitlyn (Austin) Beazley, Hudson and Colton of McKinney, TX, Lincoln Rus of Cedar Grove, WI, Taylor (Noah) de Jong of Coloma, MI. Allan Hofland of South Sioux City, NE, Eric (Kim) Hofland, Brandon and Tyler of Sheldon, IA, and Alyssa Hofland of Sanborn, IA; his sister, Alyda Muilenburg; brothers: Gary (Ellen) Hofland, John (Joyce) Hofland, and Arlyn (Glenda) Hofland; sister-in-law, Sherry DeBoom; brothers-in-law: Conard DeBoom, Stan (Wilma) DeBoom, Kenneth Zevenbergen; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Marcia Van Gelder; and many other relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Juleen; his parents, John C. and Lena Hofland; stepmother, Cornelia Klein Hofland; sister, Verna Zevenbergen; brother, James (Joanne) Hofland; sister-in-law, Adelyn DeBoom; brothers-in-law: Norman DeBoom and Dwaine Muilenburg.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Sanborn Funeral Home with the family preset at that time.
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 3 at 11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone United Reformed Church, Sanborn, Iowa with Rev. Dan Donovan officiating.
Songs of Praise are “Amazing Grace,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “When Peace Like A River” and “By The Sea Of Crystal.” Julie Hofland will serve as organist.
Pallbearers are Kyle Oostra, Allan Hofland, Eric Hofland, Lincoln Rus, Kaitlyn Oostra Beazley, Alyssa Hofland and Taylor Rus de Jong.
Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by Sanborn American Legion Earl T. Conaway Post #318.
Interment will be at Roseland Cemetery of Sanborn.
Sanborn and Hartley Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.