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Neil Allen Hoek, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and veteran, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2024, in Stuart, Iowa, at the age of 84. Born on April 20, 1939, in Montrose, South Dakota, to Marvin "Bud" and Marie Hoek, Neil's life was a testament to his loving, kind, and spirited nature.
Neil grew up on the family farms in South Dakota, where he learned the values of hard work and dedication. He carried these values throughout his life, from his education at Franklin Community School, where he graduated high school, to his further studies at General Beadle State Teachers College, where he graduated in 1962. Neil's commitment to education was not just personal; it became his life's work.
On June 29, 1959, Neil married Janice Knudson. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, welcoming their children Pam, Scott, Michelle and Jonathan into the world. Neil's role as a family man was central to his identity, and he cherished every moment with his loved ones.
Neil's dedication to his country was evident through his service in the Navy during pivotal moments in history, such as the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his military service, he pursued his passion for teaching, shaping young minds at Melvin Community School from 1964 to 1967 and then at Stuart and Stuart-Menlo Schools from 1967 until his retirement in 1997. For 33 years, Neil's influence extended beyond the classroom as he also took on the role of coach, mentor, and friend to countless students.
Neil's life outside of teaching was filled with a variety of interests that he shared with his family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and playing 8 ball pool. His summers were often spent painting houses with his family, and he had a talent for woodworking. Above all, Neil loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that they will hold dear forever.
Neil's legacy is carried on by his loving family, including his wife Janice; his children Pam Stearns, Scott (Lisa) Hoek, and Jonathan (Donna) Hoek; his grandchildren Adam Jensen, Elizabeth (Jason) Heimdal, Amber Pope, Conrad (Katie) Hoek, Jourdan (Jeremy) Bostrom, Dakota Zimmerman, Zackary (MaKayla) Zimmerman, Alexander Kalbach, Keely (Brandon) Keesler, Matthew (Olivia) Hoek, Daniel (Julie) Hoek, Katelyn Hoek, and Abigail (Rafael) Mechlin; and his great-grandchildren Cameron Jensen, Riley Jensen, Jackson Heimdal, Madeline Heimdal, Lillian Black, Layton Black, Gabriel Feller, Harper Bostrom, Wyatt Bostrom, Carter Bostrom, David Kalbach and Danielle Keesler. He is also survived by his son-in-law David Kalbach; his brother Marvin (Patricia) Hoek; his sisters Verdonna Kelly and Barbara (Dan) Wildermuth; his brother Jerry (Linda) Hoek; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Neil was predeceased by his parents; his daughter Michelle Kalbach; his brothers-in-law Gary Knudson and Jim Kelly; his son-in-law Dwight Stearns; and his great-grandson Nathan Hoek.
Neil Allen Hoek's life was one of service, love, and joy. He touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength. His memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories told by those who loved him and in the community he helped to shape.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 A.M. on Wednesday, February 21st at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart. Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, February 21st at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart. Private family committal will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers in memory of Neil Allen Hoek, visit the Tribute Store.
21
Feb
123 N.E. 2nd St
Stuart,, IA 50250
21
Feb
123 N.E. 2nd St
Stuart,, IA 50250
34024 Veterans Memorial Dr
Adel, IA 50003
Johnson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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