Pier van der Hoek

Pier van der Hoek went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 31, 2026, at the age of 78. He passed peacefully at home on the farm surrounded by his dear wife and loving children. Pier, the fifth child of Hans and Jeltje van der Hoek, was born at home in Kubaard, Friesland, the Netherlands on September 13, 1947. He loved being part of a big family and living and working together on the family farm. He would share stories of growing up with his six brothers and being the protective big brother to his little sister Janny. Pier went to school in Wommels and then studied auto mechanics in technical school. He worked in a shop for a time, then took other odd jobs until October 1967, when his older brother Minne asked him to come out to California to help on his dairy farm there. In answer to prayer, Pier then immigrated to California at the age of 20 and lived and worked with his brother Minne and his sister-in-law, Trudy. While working for Minne and relief milking for Al Bos and others, Pier discovered that he had a talent for buying and selling dairy cattle. By 1972, he bought some pastureland north of Visalia and moved there to work part-time for Frank Leyendekker, while continuing to deal in dairy cattle. One evening, Frank's children talked him into going ice skating with them, and it was there he met Darlene Lee. Although he had a thick accent, he made her laugh and they were soon engaged. Pier and Darlene were joined together in marriage on December 27, 1975. Pier continued working part-time for Frank until February 1981. During that time Hans and Henry were born. Then he and Darlene moved into their own home on Avenue 360 and Pier bought and sold dairy cattle full time. Soon they were blessed with two more children, Julia and Janelle. Pier bought his first Friesian horse in 1984 and was one of the founding members of the Friesian Horse Association of North America. He loved his horses and training them behind a cart. Pier slowly grew his corrals and his cattle business until finally he was able to build his own dairy in 1989. He was blessed to be able to send his children to Central Valley Christian through high school. In 2004 he continued the dairy business (and his horses) in Helm, California along with his wife, his sons and their families. Although Pier became an American citizen and loved this country, he was always proud of his Friesian heritage. Pier was a true "people person" who found joy in connecting with just about anyone he met. He will be remembered fondly for his boisterous laugh, his teasing spirit, and a sense of humor that never failed to produce a joke. As his family and extended family would tell you, a visit with Pier almost always resulted in a spirited game of Thirteen or dice-games he truly loved. He cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, whose presence brought the biggest smile to his face. He also held his family bonds dear, remaining close to all of his siblings by speaking with them regularly; he took great care to keep everyone updated on the latest news, ensuring the family remained connected. A man of quiet but steadfast faith, Pier read God's Word daily. What gave him great comfort, especially in the last weeks, were the traditional hymns of faith. When he was unable to attend services in person, he remained a devoted member of his congregation through their livestreams. After battling metastatic prostate cancer, Pier fought the good fight, finished the race, and is now at peace with his faithful Savior. It seems so fitting that the first foal of the year, of his beloved Friesian horses was born on the farm 15 minutes after Pier's passing, a colt named Garrett Pier. Pier leaves behind his beloved wife, Darlene, after cherishing 50 years of marriage together. Pier is also survived by his children: Hans (Michelle), Henry (Ashley), Julia (Brad) VanderEnde, and Janelle (Aaron Hughes); his grandchildren: Alyssa, Chloe, Pierce, Emily, Logan, Titus, Henry, Ethan, Annalise, Mikaela, and Garrett; as well as 5 siblings: Minne, Roel, Hans, Otte, and Janny Bijlsma, and his extended family across the states and overseas in the Netherlands, who will forever hold him in their hearts and miss him greatly. Pier is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Elliana, and his two brothers, Jelle and Raymond. The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Mary's Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during Pier's final weeks. We would also like to thank our friends and family for their continued love and support; those visits, calls, and prayers were such an encouragement to Pier and the family during this time. Visitation will be held 5-7pm Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel, 1588 Lincoln Street, Kingsburg. Family and close friends will share in a private graveside services 9am Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E. Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg. Everyone is invited to a Celebration of Pier's Life held 11am Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at Trinity United Reformed Church (Visalia), 6400 W. Walnut Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Immanuel or Kerman Christian Schools in honor of Pier van der Hoek, as he was a supporter of Christian education. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Pier van der Hoek

September 13, 1947 - March 31, 2026