Donald E. Hoeft

Donald E. Hoeft, 91, of Genoa, Ohio, passed away Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Genoa Retirement Village. He was born in Martin, Ohio to Edward & Bertha (Gerkensmyer) Hoeft, on March 18, 1932. Don graduated from Clay Genoa High School in 1950 and entered the U.S. Army, serving in the A.A.A. 89th Missile Battalion, VA during the Korean War. Don married Lois P. (Magsig) on March 1, 1958, at Zion United Methodist Church in Elliston, Ohio. They were blessed with three daughters, Jaci Hoover, Kim Hoeft and Cheri Schroeder, four grandchildren, Josh Hoover, Lindsay Hoover, Allison Schroeder and Lance Schroeder, siblings, Brenda, Janet, Denny, and Marlon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, brother, Melvin Hoeft, sisters, Barb Schumacher and Lynette Drummond and his son-in-law, Larry Schroeder.

Don started his career in construction in 1953, working for the Johnson Lumber Company. In 1966 he started his own company, Donald E. Hoeft Builders, and constructed many well-built quality projects around the area. He retired at the age of 72 after spending 50 years in the business.

Don was a Clay Township Trustee serving for 40 years. He also served on the Allen-Clay Joint Fire District Fire Board for 12 years, being instrumental in the construction of the new fire station in Clay Center. Don coached girls and women’s softball, in Genoa, for over 20 years, leading his teams to many championships. He was a 4-H member and an advisor for the Bunny Bunch.

Raising rabbits was a life-long passion for Don and was involved with many organizations including the Sandusky Valley Rabbit Breeders, Lake Erie Rabbit Breeders, American & Ohio Checkered Giant Rabbit Club, and the National & Ohio Lop Club of America. In 1989 Don was inducted into the Ohio State Rabbit Breeders Association Hall of Fame, for his contributions to the organization. Don was also the Show Superintendent of the 63rd A.R.B.A. convention & show in Columbus, Ohio and was a Lifetime Member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association.

Don enjoyed watching The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Indians. During the holidays Don enjoyed decorating, both inside and outside, and was known for his big Christmas trees. Colorful outdoor flowers were his specialty in the summer along with multiple bird feeders to draw many types of birds.

Don traveled the country showing rabbits along with travels for the trustees and his construction business and enjoyed meeting new people and starting friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

Don’s family extends a very special “Thank You” to the staff of the Genoa Retirement Village and volunteer Addie, for their compassionate care during his stay with them.

Visitation for Don will be held from 1:00-4:00 PM, Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St, Genoa. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 11, 2024, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington St., Genoa, Ohio followed by interment in the Clay Township Cemetery, Genoa. Memorial contributions may be directed to any of the three A.C.J.F.D. stations, Genoa, Williston or Clay Center. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.