Minnard LeRoy Hojem, 89, of Baldwin, formerly of Spring Valley, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, the 26th of June at the Baldwin Care Center. Minnard was born in Gilman on November 20, 1934 to parents Alfred and Helen Hojem. He married Edith LaVonne Swenson on September 19, 1952 in Decorah, Iowa. They were happily married for 67 years until Edith passed away in 2020.

Minnard loved spending time with his family, especially playing with all of his grandchildren. He was a real handyman, loved woodworking and made many special things. He enjoyed traveling, taking many special trips with his beloved Edith. He drove MTC bus for 30 years and was an Associate Pastor at Living Waters Christian Fellowship for over 20 years. He and Edith enjoyed their home and all their neighbors in Meadowview Court. He enjoyed socializing and playing his harmonica for his friends and the staff at the Baldwin Care Center. He will be greatly missed.

Minnard is survived by his six children, Suzie (Pete) Reishus, Greg (Jenny), Eldon (Patty), Randy (Kathee), Judi (Tim) Blegen, and Tammy (Mark) Heller; siblings, Wayne (Rita) Hojem, Ruth (Ted) Peterson, and Margaret (Peter) Bessessen; 21 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and 1 brother.

A Memorial Service for Minnard will take place at 11:00 AM, Wednesday July 10th , 2024 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, 1010 Newton Street. A Visitation will precede the service at the funeral home from 10:00-11:00, with lunch following.