Hazel F. Hoyer

Hazel F. Hoyer, 83, Barnett, Mo., passed away Friday, April 29, 2016, at home with her husband of 62 years, Martin O. Hoyer. Hazel was born in Sturkie, Ark., on October 26, 1932, to Virgil and Hettie Story. She married Martin Hoyer on June 9, 1953, in St. Louis, Mo. They lived in California where Martin was stationed at Fort Ord. During their time there, Hazel gave birth to the first two of their five children. The Hoyers returned to St. Louis to allow Martin to finish his time in the seminary. Their vicarage was in DeWitt, Iowa, and their first pastorate was in Center Point, Iowa, where their other three children were born. They moved to Nebraska and remained there for the next 23 years in various cities, ministering to and loving all with whom they came in contact. Martin’s final pastorate was at Trinity Lutheran, Jefferson City, Mo., after which they retired to their home outside Barnett. Hazel was known for her encouraging, loving heart and generous spirit. She always welcomed strangers and was ready to feed them as if they were her own family. Her children regularly argued over which of them was her favorite. No doubt, the debate will continue. She loved lavishly, fed others continually, and often led the laughter at the family dinner table. Above all, Hazel was a child of God who never failed to encourage anyone who gave her half a chance. This was a gift of God she used regularly with all the fierce love in her heart. She will be missed for much more than her cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies. Hazel was preceded in death by: her parents; three brothers; two sisters; a niece and a nephew, whom she regarded as siblings. She is survived by: her husband, Martin Hoyer; their five children, Paul (Betty) Hoyer, Stephen (Linda) Hoyer, Lisa Hoyer, Jan (Lyle) Holthus, and Jeff (Rachel) Hoyer; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Family received friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at Houser-Millard Funeral Chapel in Jefferson City. An additional visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson City. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Russ Bowder and Rev. Samuel Powell officiating. Interment will be private for the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Court, St. Louis, Mo. 63141 or LHMgift.org. . Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com