Neil Hoogestraat, age 71, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 27, 2025, at Ava's House, Sanford Health, in Sioux Falls, SD. For 21 years, Neil bravely lived with Parkinson's disease and other health issues. His quiet strength, patience, and unwavering faith showed those around him how to face life's challenges. He rarely complained, and his strength came from his deep trust in Jesus Christ.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home - Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Oak Hills Baptist Church, 6201 S. Lyncrest Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, with a luncheon reception to follow. A private inurnment will take place at Chancellor Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lifeline Children's Services.

The memorial service will be livestreamed to Oak Hills Baptist Church's YouTube page. To participate in the live stream, please click the following link: Neil Hoogestraat Service Livestream

Neil Allan Hoogestraat was born on April 17, 1954, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Kenneth and Mabel Hoogestraat. He was raised on the family farm near Chancellor, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for farm life. Neil attended Chancellor Elementary and graduated from Lennox High School in 1972. He went on to earn a degree in Business Agriculture from South Dakota State University in 1975.

Neil met the love of his life, Janis DeBoer from Madison, SD, at Crystal Springs Baptist Camp when they were in high school. They were married on May 25, 1974, at West Center Baptist Church in Madison. Together, they built a life on the farm near Chancellor and were blessed with three daughters—Sara, Lisa, and Janae.

As a young man, Neil enjoyed being on the high school basketball team, running cross country, and later joining the church softball team.  He had a lifelong passion for John Deere tractors, and some of his favorite moments were spent giving rides in the fields to his daughters and, later, his grandkids.

Neil farmed alongside his father for many years, and in 2008, he was joined by his son-in-law, Joel, and daughter, Lisa. He was active in the South Dakota Corn Growers Association and faithfully served at First Baptist Church in Chancellor as a youth leader, trustee and church treasurer for many years. In 1999, Neil and Janis became members of Oak Hills Baptist Church in Sioux Falls.

Neil loved being a father, attending his daughters' many activities, and making memories on the lake through countless boating adventures.  One of Neil's greatest joys was being "Papa" to his grandchildren. He loved nothing more than attending their games, concerts, and events. He was a steady, faithful presence—both on the farm and to his family.

In 2018, Neil and Janis moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to his doctors and therapy. Even after retiring, the farm remained close to his heart. He often made trips back to the fields or stopped in at the Ampride in Chancellor or Marlins in Tea to visit with friends and catch up on local news.

Neil spent his final days at Ava's Hospice House, continuing to bless others with his quick wit, gentle spirit, and humor. His faith never wavered, and his greatest hope was for others to know the peace and salvation he had found in Jesus.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." – Isaiah 40:31

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 51 years, Janis Hoogestraat; daughters: Sara (Justin) Stanford and their children Nealie, Maesa, and Nash, Lisa (Joel) Westra and their sons Jake and Luke, and Janae and her son Braeden Raga.

He is also survived by his sister Linda (Reubin) Bartels of Humboldt, SD; brothers Bruce (Deb) Hoogestraat of Newark, DE and Dale (Tami) Hoogestraat of West Linn, OR; brother-in-law Dennis (Marlene) DeBoer of Pottsboro,TX; sister-in-law Diane (John) Aus of Madison, SD; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mabel Hoogestraat, and his in-laws, Neal and Marie DeBoer.