Obituary of Mary Louise Hoel

Mary L. Hoel went to be with her Lord on November 30, 2022.  Mary Louise Lewis was born in Bostwick, Nebraska in 1931 and was raised on the family farm, helping with all aspects of ensuring food was on the table and all chores were done.  She also managed to have fun while doing this.   She graduated high school at Superior, Nebraska and then obtained her certificate to teach in rural schools and did so for two years, teaching grades 1^st – 8^th.

In the summer of 1950, she went on a road trip with her aunt and uncle and stopped in Laramie, Wyoming to visit some friends.  While there, she met Leif Hoel and they were engaged after four days of knowing one another.  They were married in January, 1951 and were together 67 years before Leif’s passing in 2018.  They made their home in Laramie and lived there until 1994 when they moved to Loveland, Colorado.

They raised five children in Laramie.  While Mary stayed home to raise her children, she also had a day care for up to 8 other children.  It got hectic but she managed it well with all her children graduating high school and being successful in their chosen work fields.  After her children were more sufficient, she went to work for the University of Wyoming as an administrative assistant.  She first worked in the Agriculture College in the 4-H office, and then in the Financial Aid Office, retiring in 1992.  She enjoyed square dancing, travel, camping, playing cards, reading, embroidery, and made beautiful quilts for each child and grandchild.  She was an active member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Loveland.

Mary is survived by her children Barbara (Dean), Larry, Stephen (Stephanie), Richard (Sue), and Charlotte (Chris).  She is also survived by five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one step granddaughter, one step great-granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Leif, father Roy, mother Alta, sister Dorothy, brother Russell, brother John, sister Jean, great-grandson Derrick and daughter-in-law Dee.

In lieu of flowers, Mary’s family requests donations to the Denver Children’s Hospital Foundation in honor of her great-grandson Derrick or to a charity of your choice in her honor.  Mary’s life was about giving and there would be no better honor for her.

Services will be on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 09:00 am at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 3411 S Taft Ave in Loveland.  Viewing will be one hour before the service.  Burial will be in Laramie, Wyoming at 01:00 pm at Greenhill Cemetery, 455 N 15^th St.