Richard Edward Hoyer

Richard Edward Hoyer, 86, passed away peacefully at his home on September 8, 2024.

Dick was born April 16th, 1938, in Reedsville, Pennsylvania, the third child to Jule and Betty Greenawalt Hoyer. His early years were spent there with his siblings Ray, Pat, Jo, and Jon. As a family, they moved to Ohio when Dick was nine. He enjoyed woodworking in shop class at school in Fostoria. In high school, he was the head of a successful fundraiser that sold pennants. He did run track, but he mostly just liked to swim in the summer with friends. Dick also enjoyed fishing by boat for walleye in Lake Erie at night. He graduated from Fostoria High School in 1956.

After high school, Dick was stationed on Oahu while serving in the United States Marine Corps, which he enlisted in at age 18. Hawaii enchanted him and he spoke often of the time he spent there. They filmed a portion of the film South Pacific on base while he was stationed there. There are thousands of soldiers in the crowd in the film and he was one of them. This “Hollywood” moment was quite a thrill for him.

Following his military service, Dick worked for Atlas Crankshaft in Fostoria. He came to Idaho to visit his mom and dad who had recently moved to the Twin Falls area and was captivated by the mountains of the west. He soon drove his candy apple red ’55 Pontiac and moved to Twin Falls where he met the love of his life, Nancy. They were happily married for 58 years and shared a great love and partnership.

They provided their kids Rick, Rhonda, and Shawna with a nurturing and supportive home.

Dick worked for Union Pacific Railroad for 33 and a third years, as he liked to say, as a switchman/brakeman, and later a conductor.

He loved the outdoors, from week-long steelhead fishing trips in Orofino to hunting in the Sawtooth Mountains. They also enjoyed many camping trips, vacations, and outdoor adventures as a family.

As hard a worker as they come, Dick always kept a bountiful vegetable garden. His strong work ethic extended into backpacking as well. He, Nancy, Rick, and their beloved little white dog, Taffy, hiked to Goat Lake in the Sawtooths. By the end of the strenuous hike, he was carrying his pack, Nancy’s pack, and the dog.

His many hobbies included gunsmithing, photography, woodworking, fishing, hunting, and always fixin’ stuff around the house. He could often be heard whistling a tune and he always kept busy.

Dick maintained many close friendships over the years and certainly had never met a stranger. He continued his weekly breakfast with his friends at Norm’s Café until the last week of his life.

He often approached life with humor, telling countless jokes and funny stories, always making those of us around him laugh. Dick was as patient of a man as he was kind. When speaking of him, many have referred to him as a fine man and as delightful. He will be dearly missed by his family and those who were lucky enough to call him a friend.

Dick is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Nancy; his daughters Rhonda Hoyer and Shawna Hoyer (Eric Jensen), daughter-in-law, Teresa Hoyer; his grandchildren Coby, Brennah, and Grady Hillier; his sisters Pat Foster and Jo Bartholomew; and his brother Jon (Dianne) Hoyer; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ray, and his son Rick.

The family would like to thank St. Luke’s Hospice for their gentle care and guidance over the last several months. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 28th at 11am at Rosenau Funeral Home at 2826 Addison Ave E, Twin Falls, Idaho.