Donald Hoger

Donald Edwin Hoger was born September 8, 1930 in Jamestown, ND to Edwin Oscar Hoger and Anna Marie Janssen Hoger. Don’s father Edwin had emigrated from Chemnitz, Germany and his family had homesteaded near New Salem, North Dakota. Don was the oldest of two sons born to the marriage of Edwin and Anna Hoger. Don attended Jamestown Franklin Grade School, Jamestown Junior High School and graduated from Jamestown Senior High School in 1948.

During his school years and following he worked for Frank’s Electric Company with Frank’s son and Don’s friend Pat Falk.

Don enlisted in the National Guard November 16, 1948 and went to army basic training at Camp Ruttger, Alabama.

Soon after enlisting in the National Guard, he began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company.

In 1950 Don joined the regular army and was transferred from San Francisco to Korea. After his time in the infantry in Korea, the 24th Division was transferred from Korea to Japan. July 16, 1952 Don was discharged from the Army at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

He returned to work for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Don and Phyllis Goodroad were married November 23, 1952 after Don returned from serving in the U.S. Army in Korea and Japan.

While working at Northwestern Bell at the Grand Forks Air Force Base, he started and built a Cable TV business serving Grand Forks air force base and some of the surrounding towns. Daughter Jeannie had her own North Dakota Wildlife show on one of the Cable TV channels.

Don not only worked for Northwestern Bell but also started several part – time businesses in Jamestown such as a sporting goods store, a book store and a print and sign shop. After he sold these businesses, he continued working for Northwestern Bell in Jamestown, Fargo and Grand Forks North Dakota Air Force Base.

In 1989, Don and two associates sold the Cable TV Company and retired from Northwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Following retirement Phyllis and Don made a permanent move to Lake Shore, MN. They built a home on Agate Lake. On surrounding property, Don built storage buildings and garages. He worked part time for Houston Ford in Pine River.

Don and Phyllis were active in forming and building Crosslake Presbyterian Church in 2002. The buildings on his property were used to stain boards for the outside of the church. In 2014 when the church expanded and built a fellowship hall, Don was just as active at the age of 84 as he had been earlier. During that time, Don was also working as custodian of the Crosslake Church and taking care of Phyllis in her failing health. Phyllis died February 7, 2016 after 64 years of marriage.

Don died May 4, 2021 at Good Samaritan Bethany in Brainerd, MN at the age of 90.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, brother Jim, brothers in law Jim and Harlan Goodroad, and mother – in – law Lydia Goodroad.

He is survived by his two children; Jeffrey (Nanae) of Boston, Massachusetts, and Jeannie Boldt (Charlie) of Golden Valley, MN. Also surviving are two granddaughters, Gwen Hoger and Jenny Boldt. A sister – In – law Mary Hoger, also survived by five nieces and nephews. Also, his faithful fuzzy companions, Ben and Allie.

Services for Don Hoger will be held at the Highland Homes Cemetery in Jamestown, North Dakota on May 29, 2021 at 1:00 PM.

Memorials may be given to Crosslake Presbyterian Church, 14444 Daggett Pine Rd, Crosslake, MN 56442.

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel.