Jack A. Hoogendoorn, of La Jara, Colorado, passed away peacefully at the age of 94, on the morning of January 4, 2026. He was born on June 21, 1931, which is the first day of summer and was the hottest and longest day of the year. He was born to Nicholas and Minnie (Dontje) Hoogendoorn in Kalamazoo, Michigan and was one of twelve children. He married the love of his life, Ida May Buschbach, in Denver, Colorado on June 5, 1956. She preceded him in death on June 27, 2024, after 68 years of marriage.

In his formative years in Michigan, Jack laid the foundation for what would be a lifetime of service and kindness. He worked at a flower shop owned by his brother, until he moved west where he met Ida. Here he served compassionately as a lab tech in several health care facilities before having a brain aneurysm that nearly took his life. Due to this Jack found his entrepreneurial spirit and started the Good News Christian Book Store and Good News Flower Shop where he not only sowed seeds in the greenhouse but also in the hearts of everybody he encountered.

An unwavering Christian, Jack's life was a testament to his faith. He seized every opportunity to share the good news about Jesus, sharing his belief and genuine love for his savior. His passion for Jesus echoed through hymns, the melodies of which he sang with unequivocal joy. Jack's capacity for love and kindness was a beacon that drew people to him, nurturing their spirits as he had done with flowers years before.

Jack's interests were a reflection of his character: full of life and intended to uplift. He delighted in performing tricks, bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. His love for music, especially singing hymns, was infectious. Most of all, he loved to share the gospel through gentleness, kindness, and unconditional love.

To describe Jack as kind, generous, and gentle is to speak of merely the surface of his character. Those who knew him would attest to his unwavering generosity, often giving all that he had to give; he was known for giving stranded passerby's a place to stay, every single hitchhiker he saw a ride, and truly helping anybody in need. He always used these opportunities as a gift bestowed upon him by God, to share the good news. His legacy will continue in the countless lives he warmed with his presence, words, and deeds.

Jack is survived by his children Jean (Tom) Salazar of La Jara, Carla (Rodney) Philpot of Rio Rancho, NM, Linda (Terry) Kuskowski of Kingman, AZ, and Jim (Janice) Hoogendoorn of La Jara; his grandchildren T.J. (Amber) Salazar, Jocelyn (Mitchell) Buhr, Rebekah (Pranay) Avula, Lee (Katrina) Philpot, Joshua Hoogendoorn, and Myranda (Justin) Wilson; his great-grandchildren: Katelynn, Tynnley, Aden, Ryker, Jayce, Avi, Mylah, Collin, Pyper, Kyla, Aleea, Ezra, and Riverlyn; as well as many numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at the United Church in La Jara. Interment will follow services in the La Jara Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Ida. Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes and words of comfort for Jack's family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.