Elvin James Hoier

Elvin James Hoier was born on November 6, 1922 on the family farm near Kennard, Nebraska in Washington County. He was raised by his older brothers and sisters after the death of his Mother, who died shortly after child birth. He grew up on several farms north of Bennington and attended Mattes school through the 10th grade and graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1941. As a young boy, Elvin enjoyed horses as they were his major source of transportation and aid in as he spent considerable time helping on the farm. He endured several horse riding accidents and illnesses including being unconscious for 14 days in the hospital. After school Elvin farmed, worked for Royal Dairy and Cudahy before enlisting in the United States Navy. Elvin traveled extensively during his tour of duty including to New York, New Orleans, Cuba, England, South America, Ireland, France, Great Belgium, Florida, North Africa and the Mediterranean Sea in addition to many stateside ports. He was involved in a collision at sea between his fuel tanker and another ship. Elvin was one of seven survivors of the explosion that ensued. After an extended 30 day stay in the hospital, he returned to the naval base in New Orleans, after a short tenure he was honorably discharged and returned home. Elvin married Doris Mueller on November 10, 1945 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bennington, Nebraska and to this union two children were adopted: Dale and Sandra. Elvin and Doris resided one year on a farm outside of Waterloo, after which they moved to their family farm northwest of Bennington where they resided for 25 years, moving then to the south of Bennington where they resided for 30 years and moving into town where they have lived for the past four years. After their marriage, Elvin returned to farming and was soon stuck with another tragedy when his hand was caught in a corn picker, loosing his right hand. Elvin and Doris moved onto the family farm west of Bennington after Doris was stricken with polio. Elvin farmed successfully for 25 years before going to work for Cargill Seed Co. for 24 years. He was also very successful with Cargill Seeds, earning several trips traveling much of the country. Elvin enjoyed gardening, feeding birds, playing cards, traveling and watching his granddaughter play volleyball. He is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Bennington American Legion and Irvington V.F.W. Elvin was a man of high integrity and ethics, a Christian who feared and loved God, who had a big heart and would help anyone at anytime. He overcame many hardships and set backs but always remained positive about life. He loved his family and tremendously enjoyed the time they could share together. Elvin passed away on Monday, August 20, 2007 at the Alegent Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska with his family at his side at the age of 84 years, 9 months and 14 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Jens and Amelia, son Dale, brothers Leonard and Edward and sisters Myrtle Walker, Alice Anderson, Marie Gottsch, Mildred Heinie, Elna Betts and Lillian Grant. Elvin is survived by his wife Doris of Bennington, Nebraska; daughter Sandi Japp of Omaha, Nebraska; granddaughter Katie Japp of Omaha, Nebraska; and sister Jorgena Luschen of Fremont, Nebraska. Courtesy of Hadan-Golden-Reichmuth

Elvin James Hoier

November 6, 1922 - August 20, 2007