Paul Martin Hoyer

Paul Martin Hoyer - also known as "Number 1 Son", Dad, Poppy, Husband, Big Brother, Pastor Hoyer, and several other things - completed his earthly journey on the evening of Thursday December 29th, 2022. He passed at home, and we are now confident that he's enjoying laughs in the heavenly realm surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones who preceded him into the presence of Jesus.

Paul was born in Fort Ord, CA on November 8th, 1954 to Hazel (Story) Hoyer and Martin Hoyer. He was the oldest of 5 siblings (Steve, Lisa, Jan, Jeff) to whom he supplied ample grief in their youth and endless support throughout their lives. He spent his formative years in the midwestern United States, where he cultivated his appreciation for baseball, hard work, antique cars, and comfort food. Always a leader, Paul was a wrestler, a well-known portrayer of "Harold Hill" in the Music Man, and student body president in high school.

At St. Paul's Junior College, Paul met Betty Mueller. He might have said she was out of his league, but Paul started borrowing her notes from class and hung around long enough that Betty fell in love with Paul's charm and kindness. Paul and Betty dated through college and were married in the summer between college and Seminary, in 1976.

Throughout College and Seminary Paul worked several jobs - truck driver, railroad construction, bartender, auto mechanic, lumber yard assistant, pig farmer, and fancy waiter who made Caesar salad with real anchovies. Paul had so many "summer jobs" that his children started asking how many summers he actually spent in college.

Paul and Betty spent 4 years in and around St. Louis, MO as Paul completed his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary. During their fourth year of seminary, Paul and Betty welcomed their oldest child, Sara. Paul received his first call as Pastor to St. Paul in Linkville, MI. Paul and Betty served there for 3 years where they also welcomed their next two children, Ben and Meredith. In 1983 Paul accepted a Call to be a mission developer in Lake Mary, FL where Paul and Betty would lead the development of Holy Cross Lutheran Church & School and welcome their fourth child, Jacob.

In Lake Mary Paul flexed his leadership muscle, bringing energy and determination to various efforts to serve and support missional and social endeavors throughout Central Florida and beyond. He led the planting of Holy Cross Lutheran Church by walking door-to-door through the Lake Mary neighborhoods of the mid-eighties. As pastor of Holy Cross he was known to follow first-time visitors to their cars post-worship to shake their hands and make a personal connection. Around Seminole County he was a founding leader at The Sharing Center, and lent his wisdom and support to efforts such as Kids House of Seminole, Shepherd's Hope, The Oasis, and Lake Cares Food Pantry. Regionally and nationwide, Paul was an influential leader for the Center for US Missions, the SELC District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Thrivent Financial, and the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. While Paul was a dynamic leader in service, Paul was also never afraid to get his hands dirty - or he may have just appreciated any excuse to use a chainsaw!

As Father, Paul was always encouraging. He would say that the world tries to keep people down, so he was eager to build his kids up. At the same time he was unrelenting with life lessons such as, "'Sorry' doesn't do it. 'Do it' does it." and "Life's not fair". Paul loved his family well by coaching sports teams, sponsoring extra-curricular activities at school, coaxing vehicles into working condition, changing flat tires, completing home repairs, and driving across the country to help his kids.

As Husband, Paul was faithful to Betty as a partner and an encourager. He supported her in her work across career changes and joined her on traveling excursions. He would often remind her of his love by completing DIY house renovation projects, and even more so by calling someone else to complete them faster. They learned to work together well and he was proud of their legacy of together building a church and school that have affected thousands of lives.

Paul is survived by his wife Betty and his four kids and their spouses - Sara Russell (John), Ben (Megan), Meredith Schott (Ryan), and Jacob (Erin). He is also remembered by his 8 grandkids who call him Poppy - Owen; Wesley, Ellie, and Hazel; Kellen and Lucas; Susan and Elijah. This crew knew he would always let them have an ice cream bar, as long as they brought one for him too. There are countless others who knew him as Pastor and surrogate dad.

The Hoyer Family invite you to a Memorial Service remembering Paul's life on January 13th, 2023 at 5pm at Holy Cross Lake Mary at 780 N Sun Drive in Lake Mary. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to one of the Holy Cross Church or School endowments at www.hclm.org/endowment.