Arlen P. Hoen

Arlen Peter Hoen, 76, a lifelong resident of Shakopee, MN, passed away on September 1, 2025, surrounded by the family who adored him as much as he adored them.
Born June 5, 1949, to Arthur and Ardis (Beckrich) Hoen, Arlen was the oldest of four children, with a sister and two brothers. He grew up in Shakopee, where the family home remains in the family today. In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy under the buddy system with Todd Boom, Steve "Monkey" Marschall and Tony Mans. He served four years working on airplanes, something he enjoyed talking about with a grin. If you were lucky he told you about his blue and white GTO going missing one night in D.C. He was also a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders, honoring fellow veterans with dignity and respect.
In 1974, Arlen met the love of his life, Brenda Maxa. The two married in 1976 and shared nearly 50 years of laughter, love, and more family than they ever dreamed possible. Together they raised five children, who blessed them with 16 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one more on the way-all of which are his pride and joy.
Arlen spent 42 years working at Cargill in Savage before finally setting down his black metal lunch box, one he packed a cold sandwich in every one of those days. "Retirement" for him just meant more time for projects. He loved being at the family cabin in Miltona-fishing on the boat, enjoying a Manhattan before dinner, or fixing something that needed fixing for someone other than himself. Each year, he also looked forward to his fishing trip with cherished friends, the "Qwally Boys," an annual tradition filled with stories, laughter, and plenty of fish tales. He had a talent for upcycling and thrifting-always finding a way to turn someone else's junk into something useful again. His woodworking shop turned out birdhouses, Carble boards, and furniture that will be treasured for years to come. He also loved a competitive game of cards, whether Euchre, 500, or Carbles. His trips down to Arizona in recent years were full of stories about wins and losses, but no matter what, he was always out to win.
And while many might think his daughters got their love of dancing from their mother, Arlen had a bone in his body to dance too. He loved the Rolling Stones and can be imagined now dancing to his forever ringtone, "Start Me Up." If he didn't pick up your call right away, it wasn't because he was too busy-it was probably because he was dancing to his phone before answering with his famous Minnesota "Yello!"
One of Arlen's greatest legacies was the way he showed up. Whether it was cheering at thousands of his kids or grandkids sporting events, lending one of his many skills to renovation projects, spending years helping at dance competitions, or simply being present whenever his family or a friend needed him-his presence spoke louder than words.
Above all, Arlen will be remembered for his humor, his heart, and his way of making people feel loved simply by being there. His smile was contagious, his patience unshakable, and his legacy is written in the family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Arlen is survived by his wife, Brenda; son and daughters, James (Suz), Kerri (Jeff) Sticha, Kati (Jason) Mousel, Kassi (Josh) Flom, and Kortney (Phil) Schroers; grandchildren, Josephine (Marcus), Elias (Emmalee), Maddie, Ava, Isabel, Ethan, Caleb, Aubrey, Aiden, Jack, Owen, Lillian, Colton, Elody, Chloe, and Cullen; great-grandsons, Eden & Stellan; siblings, Paul (Elena) Hoen, Arline Hoen, and Allan (Sue) Hoen; sister-in-law, Charlotte (Joe) Brandt; brother-in-law, Allan Maxa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ardis Hoen; and parents-in-law, Cyril and Lillian Maxa.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2-6 PM at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Avenue East, Shakopee. Visitation will also be held Monday, September 8, from 10-10:45 AM at the Church of St. Mary, 535 Lewis Street South, Shakopee, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Immediately following Mass, a reception will be held at the St. Mary of the Purification Social Hall in Marystown.
A private family interment will be held at a later date at Catholic Cemetery, Shakopee.
In lieu of flowers, the family favors donations to Grace Hospice and/or Hope Lodge in Rochester.