Vernon Robert Hoyt, age 71, died on October 24, 2015, under the care of CHI Hospice in his home in the arms of his family after a very long and courageous battle with cancer.

Vernon was born on December 24, 1943, to Frederick and Agnes (Hoggarth) Hoyt in New Rockford, ND. He attended elementary school at Paradise #4 country school and McHenry public school. On April 30, 1965, Vernon enlisted in the Army National Guard and served until April 29, 1971.

He married the love of his life, Sheila Hafner, on February 4, 1967, at St Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Sykeston, ND. It would have been their 49th wedding anniversary this February. Vernon and Sheila were blessed with six wonderful children and thirteen grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. He was also fortunate enough to have been given two great-grandchildren to carry on as his 4th generation.

For the last 56 years, he was devoted to raising his black Angus cattle, farming the land, and being a proud member of the American Angus Association. He thoroughly enjoyed working and was proud of everything he did. His immense love for the farm and ranch life was passed on to his children and grandchildren. He had a true passion for his little farmall tractors, his John Deere 8820 combine and his old 76’ Ford pickup. He also loved attending car shows to show off his new 2001 Ford Thunderbird and his father-in-law’s 1979 Lincoln Town car.

Vernon was known for his quick wit and one liners. He always had a story to share with everyone he met. Vernon was a strong and determined man. He fought all five of his battles with cancer with strength and determination. Even after being given the grim news of the sixth cancer, he faced it head on and was determined to beat it. This is the way that he lived his life.

He was a lifetime member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, McHenry, where he served on the church council for years. He was a member of the Paradise township board and the present commander of the Carl Bostrum Legion 160, of which he proudly served.

Vernon and Sheila found an amazing friendship in Dwain and Connie Brown, with whom they loved to travel with whenever they got a chance. Their favorite destination was Branson, MO, but they were also able to visit the Grand Ole Opry, Hawaii, Florida, Arkansas, Elko NV, Yellowstone National Park, Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Laughlin, NV and the Hoover Dam.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Sheila, his children: Bobby (Sharon) Hoyt, Shannon (Brenda) Hoyt, Valerie (Daren) Eli, Ryan (Mandy) Hoyt, and Cody (Shian) Hoyt. His grandchildren: Sheena (Taylor) Mattson, Tyson Eli, Tyrel Harding, Callie Harding, Tucker Eli, Mikayla Donohue, Joslyn Hoyt, Tianna Eli, Cassidy Hoyt, Trae Kalbearer, Wyatt Hoyt, Harlie Hoyt, and Logan Hoyt. His great-grandchildren: Colt Luehring and Parker Mattson. His siblings: Gladys “Toots” Walen, DuWayne “Bud” & Gladys Hoyt, Edgar “Ed” & Janice Hoyt, father-in-law, Joe N. Hafner, sister-in-law Jeanne Hoyt, brother-in-law Arnold Haugland and sister-in-law Gloria Hafner. Also, his very dear friends; Dwain & Connie Brown and David & Phyllis Manz.

Those waiting to greet him in heaven are his son and daughter-in-law Cory and Rhonda Hoyt, his parents Frederick and Agnes Hoyt, his mother-in-law, Margie Hafner, sister Verna and her husband Milton Walen, sister Betty Hoyt, brother Emery Hoyt, sister Delores Haugland, his brothers-in-law, Andrew Walen and Gary Hafner, his nephew, Robert Hoyt, and niece Diane Jackson.

PRAYER SERVICE:

Tuesday at 7PM in Evans Funeral Home, Carrington

FUNERAL SERVICE:

Our Savior's Lutheran Church, McHenry, ND

DATE AND TIME:

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 2:00PM

BURIAL

Bethlehem Cemetery, McHenry