Gene Elzo “Geno” Hoaglan, age 75, of Hudson, passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, July 30, 2011. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009. Gene was born the son of Harold and Delma (Potter) Hoaglan on October 31, 1935 in Byron Township, Iowa. In the 1950’s and 60’s Gene drove cab for his father at Hoaglan’s Cab Co. He worked in the factory of Andersen Windows and retired in January of 1993. On May 26, 1956, Gene was united in marriage to Phyllis Pence. They were blessed with two daughters, Kathy and Beth. Phyllis preceded him in death on March 17, 1991. Gene found love again and married Janet M. Erickson on June 16, 2001 in West St. Paul, MN. Her children, Mark, David, and Julie, and their families brought additional joy into his life.
As a child, Gene enjoyed ice racing. He was the 4-H softball coach for his children, and a hobby farmer of beef, pigs and horses until 1992. He listened & danced to country music, cheered for the Packers, and followed NASCAR racing. Geno liked to go fishing and bowling as well as to take long drives in the country – where he tried not to take the same road twice. He was a traveler of the US; his last big trip was an Alaskan cruise and he and Janet enjoyed visiting friends in Florida and Arizona. He was a true family man, and took great pleasure in being with his grandkids.
Gene will remain in the hearts of his wife, Janet; daughters, Kathy (Randy) Frank of New Richmond and Beth (Ken) Nelson of New Richmond; step-children, Mark Erickson of Hudson, David (Julie) Erickson of Stillwater, and Julie (Kevin) Meeder of Maplewood; 8 grandchildren: Marie (Greg) Bauman of Montrose MN, Katie (Scott) Heil of Hudson, Andrew Nelson of San Francisco, Jamie (Jake) LeRoy of Milwaukee, Becky Frank (Brandon Hallberg) of St. Cloud, Amanda (Jake) Lynum of Spring Valley, Julia Frank (Anthony Kannel) of Spring Valley, and Dustin Frank of New Richmond; 7 step-grandchildren: Andy & Adam Erickson of St. Paul, Matt & Nate Erickson of Stillwater, Ben, Claire & Natalie Meeder of Maplewood; 3 great-grandchildren, all born in 2010: Braydon Heil and Lucas & Blake Lynum, and one on the way. He is further survived by his brother, Marcel (Barb) Hoaglan of Ashland; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis; grandson, Anthony Frank; his parents; and brother, Harold Hoaglan.
A Memorial Service will be held for Gene at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 6 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1097 County Road A, Hudson. Interment will be in the Boardman Cemetery. Visitations: one hour prior to the service at church and on Friday, August 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th Hudson, 715-386-3725.