James Elroy 'Jim' Hoeft

James Elroy "Jim" Hoeft age 79, of Madelia, Minnesota died on March 9, 2016, at the Crystal Seasons Assisted Living Center in Lake Crystal, Minnesota. James Elroy "Jim" Hoeft was born in Madelia, Minnesota on February 23, 1937 to Clarence and Ruth Hoeft. Jim grew up on a farm in Madelia and graduated from Madelia High School in 1955. After his graduation, Jim served in the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he married Gayle Halvorson on September 29, 1957 at the Linden Lutheran Church. Jim and Gayle made their home and raised their four children in Madelia. Jim worked as a manager at LaSalle Farmers Grain - Fertilizer Division for nearly 40 years, as well as managing his own business - J & M Waste Applicators with his son Mark for 29 years. Jim was a very active member of the Madelia community. He was a member of the Madelia Rotary for 40 years and was twice awarded the Paul Harris Fellow recognition for his contributions to the club, a member of the Madelia Fire Department, Madelia Jaycees, the Bethel Masonic Lodge of Lake Crystal and an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church of Madelia. Jim served his church in nearly ever capacity including deacon. He also enjoyed many hobbies in his free time, such as camping, family vacations, hunting deer and elk, woodworking, and collecting model and full size tractors. Jim was a dedicated man to all he did, a very hard worker and devoted to his family. Jim is survived by his children, Rebecca Christiansen (David Lipman) of Boca Raton FL, Mark (Julie) Hoeft of Madelia, Lisa (Rick) Elkins of Madelia, Scott (Megan O'Brien) Hoeft of Mankato; brother, John (Lynn) Hoeft of Madelia; sister, Carol (Howard) Johnson of Albert Lea; sister-in-law, Dorothy Hoeft of Worthington; 9 granddaughters and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Hoeft in November of 2015, and parents, Clarence and Ruth. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sunday, March 13, 2016 Faith Lutheran Church-Madelia 306 Abbott Ave. SW Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Monday, March 14, 2016 Faith Lutheran Church-Madelia 306 Abbott Ave. SW Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Service Information 10:30 am Monday, March 14, 2016 Faith Lutheran Church-Madelia 306 Abbott Ave. SW Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Interment Information Faith Lutheran Cemetery-Madelia West, Co. Hwy 3 Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Reception A luncheon will take place in the church social hall immediately following interment. Masonic Ceremony given by the members of the Bethel Masonic Lodge of Lake Crystal on on Sunday, March 13th - 6:30 pm at the Faith Lutheran Church.