"Familia Hoag, my most sincere condolences. I had the great honor and pleasure of working with Jeff at Century High School. Jeff was also a tireless advocate for student travel and we have enjoyed the trips that he organized for us. There are so many funny stories.... makes me smile now thinking about him. They don't make language teachers like him any more. I am impressed with all of the pictures and memories he has created with all. Many memories. Kristof Sedarski (Jeff would always call me Kristof)"
In loving memory of
Jeffrey Allan Hoag
June 15, 1943 - December 8, 2021
Jeff Hoag, age 78, of Rochester, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 8th at St. Mary's Hospital from a non-COVID related lung disease. Jeff was born in Superior, WI on June 15, 1943, to Harold and Beverly Hoag (Alguire). He graduated from Anoka High School in 1961 and the University of Minnesota in 1965 majoring in German Education with a minor in Russian.
After teaching for two years in Minneapolis, he moved to Rochester, MN where he taught German for 30 years. In 1974 he took German students on a six-week bike tour through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, planning all the arrangements himself. This passion for planning tours to show his students and eventually adults, other parts of the world, eventually turned into a business. Jeff led many groups over the 40 plus years he was in the tour business, retiring in 2017.
Jeff was an avid pheasant hunter and fisherman from a young age up until his death. He was extremely dedicated to training his Brittany Spaniel hunting dogs. His most recent hunting buddy, Barney, will miss him terribly.
Jeff is survived by his wife Ann Hoag (Grier) of 56 years and their three children; daughter, Kristen Billingsley (David) of Menomonie, WI; sons Michael Hoag (Juli) of Minnetrista, MN; and Johnathon Hoag of Coon Rapids, MN. Grandchildren, Emily Billingsley of Denver, CO; Hadley and Campbell Hoag of Minnetrista, MN; sisters Cathy Waldemar (Frank) of Blaine, MN; and Barbara Gadon (Robert) of St. Louis, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steven Hoag.
A private service for the family will be held at 2:00 pm. on Tuesday, December 14th at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. The service will be live-streamed and recorded on the Ranfranz & Vine Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or American Brittany Rescue.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hoag family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Direct Link to video: https://www.facebook.com/1859425134319706/videos/1284482485310575/?__so__=channel_tab&__rv__=all_videos_card
Tributes
"My condolences to Jeff?s family. I met him 30 years ago through the Rochester and Moosburg exchange program. He seemed to have boundless energy and enthusiasm for the partnership! It was always fun working with him on it. He will be missed and remembered by many, who participated through the decades. Herta Matteson "
"I took German from Mr Hoag at John Adams. He was a great teacher and really knew how to interact students well. He will be missed. "
"I had the privilege of teaching right across the hall from Jeff at Kellogg. What a wonderful colleague he was! Gone too soon. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. "
"Ann, Kristen and family,
I?m keeping your family in my thoughts. Jeff led an active and remarkable life. I?m sure it was amazing to travel and build new connections with him around the world. His humor shows and even brings out smiles in this sad time. I know you?ll miss him. You and your family are in my heart. "
"I have known Jeff since I taught German in 1970. He was the most important teacher to keep German alive in the middle school. Three of my daughters enjoyed having him for a teacher. He also taught German in my classroom at John Marshall. His love for the language and his exuberance were contagious. He was a truly a great man who helped many people to learn about other cultures. His family must be very proud of him. Our sympathy goes out to Ann and all of his children. Jeff is a man who comes along only so many years touching so many people. Tom and Rita Sundry"
"Ann and Family, My deepest condolences at this difficult time. I was one of Herr Hoag's German students from Mayo HS and I had the privilege to go to Germany with him and my fellow classmates in 1995. He was a great educator, friend and I will miss his smile and laughter. He was always joking around with us and challenged us all to celebrate the German culture, candy and language. He will be missed by us all and we will be thinking of you during this difficult time. Amy Pomerenke"
"Kristen, So sorry for your loss. Your memories will keep him alive in your heart and soul. His love for his family , travel and adventure and apparent in the photos. Thinking of you. Leigh Gomez-Dahl"
"Ann, Kristen, Michael, John, and the rest of the Hoag family, Our condolences to everyone in the loss of your husband and father. Looking through the photos, Jeff lived a wonderful life with so many great experiences around the world. I hope the memories of these times give you comfort. Our thoughts are with your family. "
"My deepest sympathy to Ann and family! I was so privileged to go on many trips with Jeff. No one quite like Jeff, to take care of your every need while traveling with him. May your memories bring you comfort and peace!"
"Ann and family, Sincerest sympathy. Prayers for healing and comfort during this difficult time. Vicky Achor"