Dewey J. Hoitenga

Biography

Dewey J. Hoitenga carried the values of Grand Rapids across both his professional life and his volunteer commitments, blending clear-sighted leadership with a warm personal touch. He worked with civic coalitions to improve infrastructure while also guiding young entrepreneurs with practical wisdom.

His friends recall his laugh and the careful way he listened before offering a plan, traits that helped bring diverse communities together around common goals. The city still draws on the standards of service he set, especially in efforts to support families facing economic change.