Henry J. Hoeft, Jr.

CORVALLIS, MT - A wonderful heart has stopped. Henry John Hoeft, Jr took his hand from his loving wife Hilde of 47 years and joined hands with his Lord on June 11, 2016. Henry (Hank) was born on January 17, 1940 in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the ninth child of ten to the late Henry John Hoeft, Sr. and Hattie Adler Hoeft.

Hank grew up on the family's farm outside Stratford, SD and graduated from Warner High School, Warner, SD in 1959. From graduation, he then enlisted and served his country for 20 years in the US Air Force. Hank retired in 1980 while stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, AZ.  From there Hank and Hilde migrated to Anchorage, Alaska, where Hank then proceeded on to a second career that took him to the north slopes of Alaska at Prudhoe Bay until full retirement in 2004.

During his entire lifetime, Hank was an avid outdoor sportsman and for 35 years Alaska provided him with innumerable adventures. His most precious memories and adventures was the annual moose hunt that consisted of the gathering of family and friends at "moose camp." In his honor, a part of him will become an eternal piece of that camp when a portion of his ashes are spread throughout this fall.

Henry is survived by his wife, Hilde and four sons, Kevin Moser of Montana, Jefre Hoeft and wife Theresa of Virginia, David Hoeft and wife Paula of Nebraska, and Shane Hoeft and wife Sydney of Colorado; seven grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life and Military Memorial Service will be held on August 15, 2016 at 10:30 am at the Community Hall in Stratford, SD.