James D. "Jim" Hoeschen

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud for James D. “Jim” Hoeschen, age 79, of St. Cloud, who passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at his home. Deacon Steve Yanish will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

Jim was born on February 17, 1943 to Ralph and Helen (Beaudreau) Hoeschen in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Jim grew up in the St. Cloud area and graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1961. During High School he joined the United States Navy Reserve and upon graduating he immediately joined active duty in the United States Navy, serving from 1961 until 1965. He was stationed on the USS Gearing (DD-710) which was a part of the naval blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his service, Jim worked in Superior, WI where he was stationed on the SS Edmund Fitzgerald as a deck hand from 1965 until 1967.  He was united in marriage to Mary Winter on October 5, 1968 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. In 1969, Jim began working for Burlington Northern Railroad as a switchman, retiring after 30 plus years of service. He was a life member of the St. Cloud V.F.W. #428, where he also served as Past Quartermaster.

Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and God-father who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, but especially with his grandchildren. He enjoyed doing wood working, going walleye fishing, watching the Minnesota Vikings and playing games, especially horseshoes, chess, cribbage and Monopoly. He will be remembered for his quick wit, good sense of humor and the gift of gab; which allowed him to connect with everyone.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary; children, Julie (Kraig) Gratke, Don (Jackie), Phil (Janet), and Chris (Deana); 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Gin), Tom (Judy), Mary (O.D.) Jemtrud, Jack, and Bill (Diane) and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.