Neil Hoy

NEIL Owen HOY, age 83, of North Aurora, formerly of Addison, IL and Fridley, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Thursday, October 18, 2012 at Countryside Care Center where he had recently made his home. BORN: He was born on August 13, 1929 in Chicago, the son of Christen and Clara (Knutson) Hoy. EARLY YEARS:Neil’s family moved to Minneapolis when he was only four where he attended local schools. Neil graduated from Washburn High School where he was a three sport athlete, playing basketball, baseball and football. He graduated with the class of 1947. EDUCATION: Neil furthered his education at a local teachers college for a time before attending Minneapolis Business College where he studied accounting. He graduated in December of 1949 and found work at International Harvester. He was doing more than just studying accounting however as he studied a certain girl as well. LaVerne Huar caught his eye at a local mixer and after sharing the dance floor where he showed off his best moves, they got to know each other better. Neil passed this initial test with flying colors and won the right to see her again. Their courtship lasted several years before Neil served his country in the United States Navy. Neil was stationed in Washington, D.C., for a time before being stationed on the U.S.S. Midway. By then Neil won LaVerne’s heart and also her hand in marriage. Their two hearts became one while Neil was on leave, tying the knot on August 16, 1952 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Minneapolis. MILITARY: Neil had to return Washington D.C. with LaVerne in tow, making their home on Minnesota Ave. where they welcomed a daughter, Deborah Ann. After moving back to Minneapolis and returning to civilian life, Neil continued to work for International Harvester. They moved to Fridley on October 18, 1955 and the following spring, they were blessed with their first son Michael Neil. In 1958, Theodore Arthur was born with Annette Marie to follow two years later. In 1962 Mary Clare was born before Charles Andrew made the family complete in 1964. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: In August of 1970, the family moved to Addison, IL when Neil accepted a transfer to International Harvester offices located Melrose Park. Neil retired in 1984, but it didn’t stick as he went back to work 18 short months later at Idealease in Chicago until his "final" retirement came in 1988. They made 42 years of memories in Addison before moving once more to North Aurora in August of 2012.MEMBERSHIPS: Neil was a member of the Addison Community Switchboard, an organization that helps those less fortunate residents of Addison. He was also treasurer for St. Vincent DePaul and was member of St. Phillip The Apostle Catholic Church where he was also sang in the choir. Many other organizations benefited from his heart and his time including delivering Christmas holiday meals, bring communion to the sick, he worked the Christmas Telethon and many more. LIFE NOTES: He walked with God and had a contemplative soul. "Silence is Golden" was written in his high school yearbook but it was more than that, Neil was a quiet thinker, thoughtful, was dedicated and caring. Like many of his generation, Neil was a saver not a spender but was always generous with his fellow man. His needs were simple and never needed to keep up with the latest trends. He loved to collect foreign stamps and was an avid fisherman. Neil liked to golf weekly for a time, hitting the links with various friends and family. Neil was fond of tennis as well and made many memorable rides on his tandem bike. He not only liked to play sports, but he also loved to watch them too, tuning into college sports, especially football. When it came to cards, Neil was a shark. He played any game, any time, but was especially adept at cribbage and bridge. Over the years, he took many family road trips to most of the 50 states, showing his children the world around them, singing his favorite tunes with every mile (whether his children wanted him to or not.) Neil traveled with LaVerne internationally as well, touching down in Ireland, Denmark and Hawaii. No matter where traveled, foreign or domestic, Neil was a connoisseur of food, especially when he embraced his heritage by making his own pickled Herring. Neil was proud of his family and was a constant presence at his children’s and later his grandchildren’s, sporting and special events. The space he left behind in the hearts and lives of his family and friends will never be filled, or forgotten. SURVIVORS: He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, LaVerne Hoy, Six children:Deb (Ken) Neahring of Somonauk, Mike (Rita) Hoy of Crystal Lake,Ted (Mary) Hoy of Redding, CA, Annette (Dick) Theobald of Kaneville, Mary (Dave) Wisniewski of Pella, IA and Chuck (Lisa) Hoy of Wheaton;16 grandchildren:Jeff (Marti) Neahring and their daughters, Kelsie and Katie, of Yorkville, Michelle (Tim) Yocum of Fox River Grove,Katherine (Erich) Hess and their son Hayden, of Yorkville, Liz Neahring of San Diego, CA, Kristina Neahring of Schaumburg, Natalie (Matthew Candir) Hoy of Schaumburg, Savannah, Riley and Dugan Hoy, all of Redding, CA,Hannah and Vanessa Theobald of Kaneville,Tricia and Klaire Wisniewski, both Pella, IA,C. J. Hoy, Steven Christophersen and Michael Sacco, all of Wheaton, One brother, Chris (Karen) Hoy of New Hope, MN;Many nieces, nephews, and family of friends. PRECEDED:He was preceded in death by his parents. VISITATION / FUNERAL A memorial visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, Friday, October 26, 2012. A memorial mass celebrate to his faith will follow visitation at St. Gall Catholic Church, Elburn, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Tim Seigel, pastor of the church, will officiate and interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, you can donate directly to a charity of your choice or you contribute to a memorial that has been established in Neil’s name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks to the "Neil Hoy Memorial" can be made to the "Neil Hoy Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com where you can also find his full life story.