Bernard Nick Hoeg was born May 4, 1931, to William and Mabel Hoeg in Missoula, Montana. He grew up there along with his brother, Bill, attending school and graduating high school in 1950. Soon after that he enlisted in the United States Air Force. His tour of duty included being stationed in Greenland and the State of Washington.
When he returned to civilian life Bernie returned to Missoula where he married Marilyn Papenfuhs. They had two sons, Bryan, and Todd. After his separation from Marilyn, Bernie married Sandra Treichel, who brought four children with her, Laurie, David Joel, and Kelly. And a short time later they were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Melissa. They raised their blended family together until Sandra’s passing.
Bernie’s family grew even more when he married Betty Geil, who had three grown children, Susan, Dennis, and Diane. Then after Betty’s passing, he married Della Richmond, who has three grown children, Leesa, Reesa, and Kelly.
Bernie was a friendly, outgoing person. He would greet you with a big smile, a handshake, or a hug. He never saw a stranger and was a surrogate father to his children’s friends. He was a good, Christian man, with a deep faith. In his younger days Bernie coached Little League, served as volunteer fireman, was an avid bowler and could play nearly anything on the piano. After his kids were grown, he played a lot of golf, and enjoyed fly-fishing.
Bernie attended school on the GI Bill and became a licensed mortician, a trade he worked at for many years. Later he became a “country convenience store” owner in Stevensville, MT. And in 1985 Bernie and Sandra sold the store and moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. where he worked on boats with his stepson Joel and later worked in the warehouse of a local advertising company. Eventually, he moved back to Montana where he retired.
Bernie died June 6, 2024, in Plainville, KS, with family and friends at his side. Preceding him in death were his parents; two wives; his brother; and two stepsons. Surviving members of his family include: his wife, Della; his children: Bryan (Colleen), Todd, Melissa (Darren), Laurie, Kelly (Alan), many stepchildren, numerous grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in Missoula, MT.