Harold Hoeke

Biography

Harold Frederick Hoeke, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully, at home, on Sunday, July 6, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 19, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey, the only child of Anna Eva Schweitzer and Harold August Hoeke. He attended St. Leo’s Parochial School for eight years, and graduated from Irvington High School, New Jersey, in 1947. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Adele Hageman, on October 28, 1950. Together they raised four children, and were sealed as a family in the Salt Lake Temple, August 1969. Dad worked tirelessly for his family. He was first employed by Henry Becker and Sons Dairy; and later worked twenty-four years for the Livingston Board of Education in New Jersey. Dad blessed our lives with his gift of music. During World War II, he served his country by performing in the Navy Reserve Cadet Band. He was an accomplished clarinet player, and also taught himself to play the saxophone and organ. He immensely enjoyed his association with the members of the Murray City Band, Salt Lake City Post Office Band, and two dance bands. Because of his influence, our family cultivated a great appreciation for the arts. Dad was a passionate student of American History, and left a priceless legacy of patriotism and the importance of education to his posterity. We have cherished memories of family vacations, each summer, at Ocean Beach, New Jersey. Dad had a soft spot in his heart for all of God’s creations, especially his adored pet dogs. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and BYU Cougars. Dad truly bled blue. During his retirement years, Dad enjoyed being a Bountiful City Crossing Guard for the children of Leo J. Muir Elementary School. He was respected and loved by the school’s parents, students and staff. Dad treasured working in the Bountiful Temple, and faithfully served in three bishoprics. He was a dedicated home teacher, as he and mom cared for their friends at Barton Creek for many years. Dad loved the Lord and all people, especially his neighbors, and friends of the Bountiful Utah 17th Ward. We are eternally grateful for his example of faith, integrity, selflessness, and sacrifice. His work ethic was unparalleled on behalf of his family. Dad’s contagious laughter and his delightful sense of humor have filled our lives with sweet and happy memories. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce, and his four children Kathleen Erickson (Paul), Linda Noyce (Jeff), Drew Hoeke (Doreen), and Elizabeth Camero (Andrew), 11 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. The family is extremely grateful for all of the compassionate, tender care Dad received from Lifetouch Home Health Services, Symbii Hospice caregivers and Debbie, our Visiting Angel. A private family memorial service was held in loving memory of Dad.