Michael J. Hooyman, age 76, of Freedom passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.  He was born on February 16, 1948 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin son of the late Arthur and Gladys (Little) Hooyman.  On November 25, 1967 he married the love of his life Carol De Groot at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Mackville, WI.  Their marriage was blessed with 2 daughters and 57 years.  He was employed by Miller Electric for 38 years, retiring in 2008.  Mike and Carol owned a cabin in Granton, Wisconsin and later built their dream home on the same property.  He loved his tractors, cutting wood, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his beloved family.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters: Kelly (Jeff) Rickert, New London, Michelle “Missy” (Dan) Angotti, Freedom; grandchildren: Kaitlyn (Matt) Wilfuer, Joseph (Erinn) Rickert, Danielle (Son he never had - Waylon) Baum, Samantha (fiancé Nick Benedetto) Angotti, Grace (boyfriend Lane Krueger) Angotti; great-grandchildren: Jaxon Benedetto, Jack Wilfuer, with two more on the way; his sister, Bonnie (Johnny) Bryant,  siblings-in-law: Jean Graphos, Larry (Nancy) De Groot, Joan (David “Cricket”) Vandenberg;, Carol Hooyman; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Catherine “Kitty” (Shaw) Stevens, Cathy (John) Sloan, Donald Hooyman Sr. , Patricia (Ray) Kramer; siblings-in-law: Dale Borneman,  Dick Graphos, Gerry De Groot; and his parents-in-law, Harold and Mabel De Groot.

A Memorial Service for Mike will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. at Freedom’s Verkuilen – Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home (N3972 Columbia Ave.).  Friends and family will gather at the funeral home from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Mike’s name.

The family would like to thank the staff of Moments Hospice, especially Katie Wasielewski, Rick, Chaplain Josh; and their special neighbors Donnie and Connie Zimmerman for their special care and compassion throughout Mike’s illness.