Obituary of Ernest John Hoyer

Ernest John Hoyer, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many, peacefully passed away 19 July, 2018 at the St Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center just 8 days before his 89th birthday. He was a resident there for almost 3 years. During his time there he was often visited by friends and family. Also, he was fortunate enough to make new friends there because of his friendly personality.

Ernie was a lifetime Fort Plain resident who was born on July 27, 1929 to Lena J. (Crouse) and William M. Hoyer. After attending local schools, he worked on a local farm and the Penn Central Railroad prior to joining the United States Army in 1952. After basic training, Ernie was assigned to the 3rdTransportation Company located at Incheon Harbor, South Korea as an Amphibious “Duck” driver. In addition to driving duties, he performed the additional duty as the companies’ mail clerk. He was extremely proud of his military service which led him to become a lifetime member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion organizations in Fort Plain.

After his military service, Ernie returned to his hometown of Fort Plain. On October 8th he married Norma Mae Putnam. Unexpectedly, Norma passed away on June 5th, 2000. Ernie worked for the Village of Fort Plain’s Public Works Department until his retirement at the young age of 58. Also, he was the dog warden for the Town of Minden and the Village of Fort Plain for a period of time. Finally, for a few summers after retirement he worked for a local company laying blacktop when they needed an extra hand.

Ernie enjoyed working in his “veggie” garden when all of the children were still living at home. The garden was located behind the old Valley Bowl on Willett Street. He liked to pick the brains of old-timers in the area for gardening tips. As much as he enjoyed gardening, he liked hunting even more. Ernie and his dogs, Lady, Sam, and Moocher, always found time to chase the pheasants in the area around. When he wasn’t hunting, he drove his grandchildren and their friends to and from school.Most of all, he loved sitting in his car in various locations around his Village.

He leaves behind his brothers William, Robert (Alma), and sister Marlene. In addition, he is survived by daughters Pamela (Ken), Kathy (Robert), Debra (Rafael), Leila (Ronnie), and son’s James and Ernest (Soon). Ernie’s surviving grandchild are Ryan, Blake, Betty Lee, Tammy Lee, Jamie, John, Matthew, Joseph, Krystal, Rafael, Lacey, and LeAnn. His great-grand children areAyla, Isley, Farrah, Noelle, Janica, and Kayla. 

In addition to his loss of Norma, Ernie was predeceased in death by brothers Congdon, Fredrick, Thomas, and sisterPauline. Additionally, daughter Joanna and grandson Brain (BJ)predeceased him.

Ernie’s family greatly appreciates the efforts of the staff of the St. Johnsville Nursing Home for their care of their father, grandfather, and great grandfather during his 3 year stay there. Without those efforts his stay would not have been as pleasant for him.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, July 27th, 2018 from 6 to 8 PM at Fort Plain’s Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home which is located at 34 Center St. Service will be at 11 AM Saturday at the Funeral Home with an interment of the ashes service to be held at the families Fort Plain Cemetery plot.