Kenneth "Ken" Leonard Hoiem

Kenneth Leonard Hoiem, 55 years, of Lindstrom, Minnesota, went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on March 26th, 2011 after his battle with cancer. Kenneth Leonard Weiss was born on July 10th, 1955 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ken was blessed to have two families. On July 5th, 1961, Ken was adopted by Andrew and Phyllis (Rood) Hoiem of Saginaw, Minnesota along with his brother, Donald. He grew up with his brother Donald, and sister – Dawn, in Northern Minnesota. Kenneth joined the Army on August 29th, 1973, where he served for two years and was then honorably discharged as a Private-Second Class (PV2) on September 10th, 1975. In 1979, Ken and Don located their natural family (the Weiss’) who were then living in California. Ken enjoyed motorcycle riding and mechanics. In 1987, Ken trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and God began to chip away at some of Ken’s rough edges. His spiritual family at Sunrise Bible Church watched him grow through many of life’s joys and difficulties. Ken was a very active member at Sunrise Bible Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher, Head Usher and a layperson who truly took on the attributes of Christ by serving wherever necessary. Between the years of 1991 and 1998, Ken and Janet, were blessed with the birth of three beautiful children – Hannah, Jacob and Esther whom he loved very much. Through the subsequent years of mechanics and driving – it was these children who were in his heart and mind, and whom he lovingly supported. Pursuing his mechanical aptitudes, he received a diploma from Anoka Technical College as an Outdoor Power Equipment Technician in March of 1994. For several years, Ken was a small engine and boat engine mechanic, and a manager of parts departments and auto parts stores. Later on, Ken became an over the road truck driver hauling bulk mail where it was required for him to carry a security clearance. Ken seemed to enjoy this job very much. Kenneth is survived by his children: Hannah, Jacob and Esther of Rush City; his mother: Phyllis E. Hoiem of Saginaw, MN; sister: Dawn (Eugene) Russell Jr. of Saginaw, MN; nieces: Brandy (Keenan) Maus of Saginaw, MN; Amy (Tom) Fort of Saint Charles and Jennifer (Donald) Smith of Coon Rapids, MN; nephews: Andrew (Brandi) Hoiem of Rochester, MN and Eugene (Chelsea) Russell III of Saginaw, MN; great niece: Amelia Smith. Of the Weiss family, Ken is survived by brothers: John Weiss, Dick Weiss Jr., Norm Halverson; and sister: Linda King. Ken is preceded in death by Delores E. Tavernier, Richard Weiss Sr., his father Andrew Hoiem and brother, Donald Hoiem. Grandparents: Seymour and Emma Rood, and Andrew and Annie Hoiem. Ken is also preceded in death by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – who paid for his sins, and Who now lives again. While Ken will be greatly missed by his family and friends, he was very much looking forward to spending eternity with Christ. It was also Ken’s great desire, that all of us would join him there. Pastor David Stertz will officiate at funeral services; 1:00 p.m. Wednesday (3/30/11) at the Sunrise Bible Church; 41300 2nd St.; North Branch, MN with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Music will be provided by Todd and Sara Rockensock, Charlotte Wilcox and Pastor David Stertz. Casket bearers will be John Weiss, Andy Hoeim, Don Smith, Eugene Russell Jr. Eugene Russell III, Keenan Maus and Tom Fort with the interment in the Sunrise Cemetery at Sunrise, MN. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service~Olson Chapel of Rush City, MN. www.funeralandcremationservice.com