Robert H. Hoey

Franksville, WI -- Robert H. Hoey, 91, passed away Sunday, November 13, 2011. Robert was born in Racine on November 3, 1920, to the late George and Ivah (nee: Marcoe) Hoey.

In 1942, Robert joined the United States Marine Corps. He served as a Sergeant in the Pacific Threatre of Operations from November 1942 until July 1945. Robert was involved in some of WWII most epic battles, including: Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. He was Honorably Discharged from the Second Marine Division, receiving the Purple Heart for wounds suffered during the battle for Saipan.

On May 24, 1947, in Milwaukee WI, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth (nee: Matusinec), who preceded him in death on August 31, 2011, after 64 years of marriage. Robert founded Shurpac Inc. in 1959. His business savvy and tireless work ethic remains the foundation of the company to this day.

Robert was a charter member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Robert loved to hunt pheasant, duck, goose and deer, last hunting as recently as a month ago. He also enjoyed fishing up at the family home, “Hoeyaluiah,” in Crandon, and often took trips to Canada with his son and grandsons. He had an immaculate yard, in which he’d take everyone for a tour to show them all of his new plantings. Robert was a true family man. He took great pride in each one of our lives and we will truly miss his loving and caring ways, his sense of humor and his countless stories.

Robert is survived by his children, Donna Hoey of Wauwatosa, Jeffrey (Eileen) Hoey, and Susan (Willard) Wenck, both of Racine; his grandchildren, Rebecca Hoey, Robert (Heidi) Hoey, both of Racine, Elizabeth (Richard) Kresen of Elkhorn, and Joseph (Dakota) Mandli of Lake Geneva; six great-grandchildren, Emma, Reagan, Richard, Kendall, Madigan and Josie; brother in law, Frank (Rose Mary) Matusinec of Milwaukee; as well as other family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; parents; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph (Mildred) Matusinec.

A Mass of Christian Burial followed by full military honors will be celebrated Thursday, November 17, 2011, at 6 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Rev. Terrance J. Huebner officiating. Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the church from 4 p.m. until time of Mass at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and St. Catherine's High School.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to friends Ray and Doc Olley, Gary Kolb, the  Heldings, Joe Schute and Kevin Pettit.

After 74 short days, Robert met Elizabeth “on the other side of the bridge.” They are once again happy together.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888