Henry Joseph Hoehler

Henry Joseph Hoehler, fondly known as Hank to his friends and Speed to his family, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, in Cabool, Missouri. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 26, 1947, to the late Henry and Lillian Hoehler. Hank's life was a testament to his unwavering strength, love for his family, and the simple joys that make life worth living.

Hank, a Navy veteran, served his country with honor during the Vietnam War, embodying the courage and dedication that would become hallmarks of his character. After his service, Hank found solace and purpose in the art of welding, a skill that showcased his handy nature. His craftsmanship was not only his vocation but also a passion.

Hank married his late wife Sandy in 1970. They lived in the Chicago area until moving to Missouri in 1982. They raised both of their daughters on a small farm and taught them how to garden and hunt deer, and the importance of education, hard work and responsibility.

An avid outdoorsman, Hank relished the times he spent on the lake with his wife Sandy, fishing from his boat with the tranquility of nature surrounding him. He found joy in the roar of his tractor, working around the house, and the simple pleasure of a good cigar at the end of a long day. But above all, Hank's heart belonged to his family. His love for them was as deep as the lakes he fished in and as enduring as the metal he welded.

Hank was a loving patriarch, survived by his brother Larry, his daughters Heather and Jenny, and a lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who saw him as the cornerstone of their family. His grandchildren Shane, Ty, Dalton, Jessi, Jade, Justyn, Jewel, and Jaycee grew up with the strength of his support and the warmth of his love. His great-grandchildren Joseph, Jonathan, LiAna, Tenley, Waylon, Lilyan, Jeremiah, Kenan, and Delanee will carry forward his legacy, each bearing a spark of Hank's indomitable spirit.

Those who knew Hank would describe him as a man of great wisdom, with a loving heart and hands that could fix anything they touched. His presence was a comfort, his advice sought after, and his laughter a balm to the soul. Hank's life was one lived with purpose and generosity, his actions guided by a deep understanding of what truly matters.

As we bid farewell to Hank, we reflect on a life well-lived, a journey marked by resilience, joy, and an abundance of love. Though he leaves a void that cannot be filled, Hank's memory will continue to inspire and guide us. It is with immense love and profound respect that we honor his life and the enduring impact he has made on all of us.

Hank will be remembered not just for the life he led, but for the countless lives he touched. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. As we cherish our memories of Hank, we take solace in knowing that his spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of our family's history.