Richard Gjerm Hoyme Sr.

Hoyme, Dr. Richard Gjermund Sr.
1928-2007
Dr. Richard Gjermund Hoyme passed away on July 22nd in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the city of his youth. Dr. Hoyme was was most often called Dick, by his family, friends and career associates. Dr. Hoyme was preceded in death by his parents, Gjermund Hoyme MD; and his mother, Rita Lacey Hoyme, R.N. Dr. Hoyme's father practiced medicine as a cardiologist in Eau Claire, and was the co-founder of the Luther Midlefort clinic there. Dr. Richard Hoyme's family had a prestigious and lengthy history in Eau Claire, WI. His grandfather was a Lutheran pastor, and developed one of the largest Norwegian Lutheran congregations in the United States, and later became President of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America in 1890. Dr. Richard Hoyme had a wonderful and happy childhood growing up in Eau Claire. He was an accomplished golfer, becoming a par golfer by the age of 14. He trained as a private pilot at age 16. He loved to take the train to Chicago to watch Northwestern football games, which was where his ather had graduated from medical school, and also attend games at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. These were the beginnings of his life-long love of college football. Dr. Hoyme graduated from Shattuck Military School in Faribault, Minnesota, where he was a class mate of actor Marlon Brando. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, famous as the site of Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech. Dick excelled in sports as the punter on the football team, and lettered in varsity golf and basketball. Dick later played on the Milwaukee Rockets basketball team, touring as a "set-up" team for the Harlem Globetrotters. He was still in college when his father retired from medicine and moved to Coronado, CA, in 1948. Dick enjoyed his time in Coronado with his father boating and fishing, and this was his introduction to California where he would later live for over 40 years. After college, Dick joined the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. Dick had twice tried to join the service during World War II. Being too young for service, he traveled at age 15 to Canada to attempt to enlist in the British Navy. He was caught and sent back to his father, but later, at age 16, took a train to Chicago and tried to pass for 17 and join the U.S. Marine Corp., but was again unsuccessful. Dick loved the army. His first posting was to Ft. Belvoir in Virginia. He later served in Stutgart, Germany, during the Korean War. After active duty ended in 1955, he served throughout the 1950's and 60's with the U.S. Army Reserve and California National Guard. He was part of the newly formed (by President Kennedy) Special Forces, "The Green Berets", and served with the 12th Special Forces Group (reserve), making over 100 parachute jumps. He retired from his military career as a Major. Dr. Hoyme's greatest love was education. He graduated from the University of Southern California with Master's degrees and a Doctorate in Education. At the time, he was the youngest person ever to achieve this goal at USC. At USC in the late 1950's and early 1960's he built up his passion for college football and became a Trojan Football for for life. Dick began teaching at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, CA, while at USC. He remained at RUHS for 37 years, teaching English, History and even drivers education, and later Special Education. Known as "Doc Hoyme", he was always one of the most respected and popular teachers of his time, and influenced countless students. Dr. Hoyme was a loving father, a devoted husband and friend to all. He will be sadly missed. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Betty Muntz Hoyme; and his sons, Gjermund Frederick Hoyme of Los Angeles, and Richard Gjermund Hoyme of San Antonio, Texas. The family wished to thank the staff of Luther Midelfort Hospital in Eau Claire, WI, for their kindness and special medical care shown Dr. Hoyme. Dr. Hoyme will be laid to rest in the Hoyme family plot at Forest Hills Cemetery in Eau Claire Wisconsin. Details to be made at a later date. For details on a scholarship fund in the name of Dr. Richard Hoyme, please contact: gerry_hoyme@msn.com. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.