Funeral services for Herbert E. Hoeve, 75, were held Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home in Pella. On Friday morning, Dec. 6, he passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.
Herbert Eugene Hoeve was born Nov. 5, 1938, at Medford, in Taylor County, WI, the son of Herman Dan and Dorothy (Mathias) Hoeve. Herb received his elementary and high school education in Medford. On Aug. 16, 1957, he was united in marriage with Kathleen Marie Moyer at Mason City and to this union four daughters were born: Peggy Sue, Teresa Marie, Patricia Yvonne, and Penny Kay.
Herb and Kathy lived at Buckingham and Traer where Herb raised mink. He worked as a farmhand and plumber. They then moved north of Sully and Herb worked for Sully Plumbing & Heating, but never lost his desire to be a farmer. In 1973, he and Kathy bought a lot in Galesburg and in 1975 Herb was able to make Kathy’s dream of living in a new home come true. This was all made possible with the help of family and friends before her death on Oct. 6, 1982, at the age of 40 years following a terminal illness she had fought for 13 years. During the years of her illness, Herb worked very hard to care for their family the best he knew how.
Then in 1983, he and Gladys (Snook) Arthur became life partners. He enjoyed hobby farming, restoring old tractors, gardening, and had a love for the outdoors. He spent much of his time tinkering in his shop and would often tear things apart and maybe put them back together again. His often-used tool was a Sawzall. Herb and Gladys were devoted to each other, and Herb was a "grandpa" to both of their families. He and Gladys continued living in Galesburg where he often said he was the “Mayor of Galesburg.” Herb fought a long struggle with cancer, but through it all Gladys was at his side both day and night with treatments and while being hospitalized.
Herb leaves his four daughters: Peggy (Rick) Reush of Longmont, CO, Terri (Dwight) Van Dusseldorp and Patty Roorda of Pella, Penny (Allyn) Terrell of Knoxville; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his life partner, Gladys Arthur of Reasnor, her five children: Marilyn (Terry) O’Brien of Altoona, Rex (Sue) Arthur of Searsboro, Nancy (Steve) Warneke of Readland, Barb (Denny) Van Zante of Pella, and Cecil (Bev) Arthur of Searsboro; her 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Of his original family, Herb leaves his sister, Deloris (Ervin) Schmidt and family of Medford, WI.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his parents; and his parents-in-law, Howard and Sylvia (Greer) Moyer.
Herb enjoyed life and dancing. His favorite pastime was just sitting in the sun and being with family.
