Donald "Cowboy" R. Hoeft, 82, of Elwood, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at his home in Elwood, Nebraska.
He was born on July 18, 1942, in York, Nebraska to Carl and Grace (Gue) Hoeft. He attended York Public Schools and graduated from York Senior High School. On July 14, 1970, Donald was united in marriage to Joyce Gulbrandson in Denver, Colorado. The couple moved to Lexington in 1984, and to Johnson Lake in 1996. He worked in many different places during his time in Lexington including Cornland Beef and Tyson, formerly known as IBP, then worked for maintenance at game and parks and the City of Lexington after he retired.
Donald loved spending his days outdoors. To say he was an avid hunter is putting it lightly - hunting was one of his great joys of life. He also enjoyed the thrill of catching something new while fishing. If he wasn't out hunting, he was fishing or gardening. You would often find him working in the garage and maintaining his lawn and gardens. He was a family man, who loved being with his children and grandchildren, grilling and enjoying a cold beer on a hot summer day. Donald liked to hang out with his friends, grabbing some beers or going to the local bar where everyone knew he was going to have rum and coke before he had even sat down.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Dawn Jenner (David) of Geneva, Nebraska, Brenda Cox (Robert Borchert) Denver, Colorado, grandchildren, Neil Cox, Ryan Rios, Blake Rios, Logan Rios (Becca), Kobe Rios, and Ethan Weaver; great-grandchildren, Adelina "Bear" Rios, Jayden Miller, and Rowen Miller; sister, Joan Hunsche of York, Nebraska, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends who will greatly miss him.
Beside his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joyce Hoeft; siblings, Bud Hoeft, Bob Hoeft, Noots Hoeft, Denny Hoeft, Shirley Penn, and Judy Johnson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Pastor Dave Leraaen, officiating.
Burial will be held at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in Lexington.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com