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Gary L. Hoyt

Gary L. Hoyt

If Bun (Gary Lynn Hoyt, 62) could have written his own obituary, it may have said something like this:

“It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away on March 29th, 2019. Everyone told me it would happen one day but that’s simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience. Once again, I didn’t get things my way! That’s been the story of my life, all my life (ha, ha).

And while on that subject (the story of my life)… on August 4th, 1956 my parents and older brother, Gordon Charles Hoyt, received the greatest gift in the world... me!  As a child, I played with my brother and Shep, had walnut fights, and hung out with my legendary Hoyt clan in Stockholm. Pepin High school was changed forever when I decided to grace them with my presence. I was certainly the best baseball player they ever knew, and I threw a no-hitter every single game I played.

One day, when I was wearing plaid pants and a striped shirt, I met Terri Lynn Andrews (Preen). She begged to become my wife, so I let her spend 36 years with me. Even though I liked to complain, that woman took care of me, fed me, cleaned up after me, and helped me through all my kidney appointments. We had some great times and produced three more Hoyts: Jennifer Liezau (Lenny), Jeremy Hoyt (Jerb), and Gina Hoyt (Fitchey). I loved to teach those little half-wits how to play sports.   

The memories I’m taking with me now are so precious and have more value than all the money in the world. Speaking of money, I worked so hard for it all my life, as a mason and on the Pony Express. Sometimes, I would make it to noon and then decide I needed to take a lunch break... for the rest of the day.    

We all know that I am the greatest fisherman and hunter in the universe, but this might be a good time to admit to some of my transgressions. The turkey that is mounted on my wall does not actually have that long of a beard, as I may or may not have attached a horsetail to it. If you have received a hunting picture from me, Harry, Peter, Ope, Fuzz, Tanner, Gordy, or any other one of my natural-born killer friends, don’t look too closely. We may or may not have held old horns up to a doe’s head. I really did have the best friends a guy could ever ask for. The only reason I did that stuff is so other people would admit to how great I already knew I was!     

Just when I thought I was too old to have fun again, I became a grandpa, and my three grandkids stole not only my heart, but also most of my money. Brody Michael Bechel, Avery Donna Lietzau, and Viola Mae Lietzau have enriched my life more than words can say. Nosome, Woodchuck, and Little Woodchuck, as I like to call them, were the twinkles in my eye.

Wherever my journey takes me, I know one thing for sure. I will be met with open arms and probably a pants-pissing good laugh when I see my parents, Gordy and Viola Hoyt. We will all be together in the most beautiful hunting and fishing land in the sky. I will be waiting for all of you.   

I’ll leave you with this...please don’t cry because I’m gone; instead be happy that I was here. Well, maybe you can cry a little bit. After all, I have passed away, you pig pucker. But today I am happy, and I am hunting and fishing. Probably naked. So, Have a banana, Piscalavarna, Peanut, Hang Loose, and Avacodo to all my friends and family.

Love you forever. Gary Hoyt.”

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday at Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. 

Private family burial will take place at Waubeek Cemetery, Township of Waubeek, rural Eau Galle

 

Condolences

  1. D.E. FRY

    I did not know this man, his family, or anything, but I stumbled across this obit and I immediately like this guy! Holding old antlers up to a doe's head for a trophy picture...I WILL DO THAT! Brilliant obit and condolences to the family.

  2. Kim and Lynette Wagenbach

    You are in our thoughts and prayers. Remembering especially the times our kids played sports together. May he rest in peace.

  3. Vicci Hutter Rosenberg

    So sorry for you loss of a special man. God bless you all

  4. Lee Hardy

    My sympathy to all! I last seen Gary as I was coming off Lake Pepin. He and a friend were heading out and he shared some of his fishing wisdom with me. He said, "All you got to do is find the sea gulls and generally there's some bass nearby"! Genuine and sincere!

  5. Lowell Setterlund

    Sorry to hear about Gary. What a great guy.

  6. Mike Longsdorf

    Hi Gordy--very sad to hear the news but loved the obit. I haven't seen Gary for many years but as I read this I could hear him saying every word of this. Brings me back to the old softball days where we sure had some fun!! Prayers to you and Gary's family.

  7. Debra

    What a great way to write an obit.
    Sorry for your loss, but rest assured he'll be waiting for you all.

  8. elissa Davis

    WOW, I dont know your family but that Obit made me cry . Sounds like he was a one of a kind and I send you my deepest sympathy .

  9. Ann Webb

    I didn't know Gary but by reading his obituary, I can tell he would of been a great funny guy to know. This is the best obituary I have ever read.

  10. FRANK DOSDALL

    Great memories, working with Gary and riding to work together! (Durkee Atwood)

  11. Cindy Buvala

    Terri and Family, Gordy and Family,
    I'm so sorry Goo has left so soon. We just lost Rob, my oldest brother too. Its hard. Gordy remember visiting each other's families when we were kids? Running around outside in the summer at that house in Stockholm, or at our house in Pepin. Catching lightning bugs, playing hide and seek...lots of good times with Bundy, Goo.....I think I was in highschool before i know his name was Gary. So, sorry. Prayers for you all.

  12. Rick Rineck

    Hi Gordy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your brother sounded as funny as you! I hope life is treating you well. I often wonder about how you are doing. Take care Gordy and you and your brother's family are in our prayers. Best Regards, Rick

  13. Kris Modl

    Terri and family. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

  14. Ed McRoberts

    Wonderful obituary, and to read it in Bun's voice made it so much better. Bun was as special as they come, always a twinkle in his eye with every story. As much a friend as he was family. Condolences to all.

  15. Walter Hovland

    The obituary was absolutely Perfect. Made me smile instead of feeling sad. Bun had to have wrote it :) We are all Blessed to have known such a Great man. Sending Blessings and Prayers to the family. I Miss him already

  16. Ron Erickson

    I think this obituary is spot on, I could hear Bun saying this. I was so fortunate to know him growing up with Gord and spending many nights at the Hoyt mansion in Stockholm. We shared many memories from sports to fishing and playing hockey on the lake in Stockholm. Bun knew Wick and I always had his back. Much love from Kim and I to Terry and the kids, your Dad may be gone but will not be forgotten.

  17. Mary Bygd (Millar-Kerg)

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Terri and family! I met Bundy long before you and I worked together in Mondovi ... back in the old softball days. I’ve got to say this is the most true to life obituary I’ve ever read and it made we laugh ... I could hear him saying ALL of this! Take care, love those grand babies and cherish the memories!

  18. Kevin Brantner

    What a great guy, Gary was. I'm in shock over this. He'll be missed by many. He was a big light in a sometimes dark world. I hope he'll come and sit by me on occasion and help me catch some fish.

  19. Donna Hoyt

    So sorry for your loss. He was one of kind peanut

  20. Cisco

    Bundy, just like you to leave before we could say goodbye. Would have been nice to see you on the dance floor one more time doing the “McQwee” or hollering “Jump”! You never did learn to throw a curve!

    Miss you already, Cisco

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