Thief River Falls - Eric Hoard, 63, died Tuesday March 3, 1998 at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 6 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Reverend Marcia Sylvester officiating. Joyce Halbasch was the organist. Vocal music was provided by Mya Zutz and Ed Walseth who also played the guitar. Honorary casketbearers were Leslie Kulseth, the Railroad Club, Car Club members and all who called Eric a friend. Casketbearers were Jared Nelson, Marvin Johnson, Harold Swanson, Arlen Booren, Gordon Bjerken and Allen Aaseby. The Green Funeral Home of Thief River Falls was in charge of the arrangements.
Eric Henry Hoard was born on July 13, 1934 in Thief River Falls to Henry and Alma (Knutson) Hoard. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and attended school in Thief River Falls.
He married Barbara Booren on July 24, 1955 at First Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.
Eric worked at Model Laundry, the arena, Torgerson Oil and for the S.C.S. In 1962, he began employment at Hartz Wholesale, retiring in 1992.
He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, the Prairie Schooners Car Club and the Thief River Falls Railroad Club. His hobbies included restoring and customizing cars, collecting antique model trains, stationary engines and motorcycles. His grandchildren called him "Grandpa Zeke" and say he was able to fix anything. Eric was very proud of his children and grandchildren.
Eric is survived by his wife Barbara of Thief River Falls; two daughters, Lori (Richard) Stegeman of Thief River Falls and Lynette (Todd) McDonald of Fargo, ND; three sons, Charles (Dixie) Hoard of Thief River Falls, Mitchell (Renae) Hoard of Thief River Falls and John (Tana) Hoard of West Fargo, ND; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Betty (Harold) Swanson of Thief River Falls and Donna (Marvin) Manning of Gary; one sister-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Hoard; and one sister, Elaine Koop.