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Obituary

Dean Russell Hoy

December 11, 1930 - February 19, 2024

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the death of Dean Russell Hoy of Lincoln, Nebraska, who passed away on February 19, 2024, at the age of 93, leaving to mourn family and friends.

Dean Russell Hoy of Lincoln, NE passed away on February 19, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends, less than a mile away from the Hoy Farm where he was raised. Dean was born December 11, 1930, and was the second oldest of 5 siblings raised during the difficult time of “The Great Depression”. It was these early years on the family farm where Dean forged his strong work ethic, character, and his affinity for making things last, even if it was to repurpose the original use.

Dean attended Lincoln High School, and he excelled as a student-athlete as varsity captain of the football team while receiving all state honors. However, Dean’s biggest accomplishment in high school was when he met the love of his life, Lorraine. They married as teenagers in 1948, and they enjoyed the next 70 wonderful years together. Whether it was raising their kids Linda, Randy and Vickie, hosting many family events with grandkids and great-grand kids, working side by side together, cheering on Big Red, traveling the world, or sitting on their county patio watching the sunset, Dean and Lorraine always seemed inseparable.

After High School, Dean attended the University of Nebraska, before working for International Paper, and eventually State Farm Insurance. Dean Hoy’s State Farm Insurance Agency, on Normal Blvd, has stood as a community landmark for more than 55 years while servicing the needs of many lifelong customers. Over the years, his agency was the recipient of dozens of awards for outstanding sales and service due to his hard work, personality, and his long-time valued and dedicated employees. He was also a 60-year active and founding member of the Lincoln area Kiwanis Club.

Throughout Dean’s life, he spent almost all his 93 years very close to the farm where he was raised. He was known as a long-time community fixture devoted to his family, his parents, friends, and customers. Whether he was providing sound insurance advice to his customers, telling one of many of his famous jokes, volunteering at Simmons-Saltillo Cemetery as a caretaker, flying his plane, snow skiing at Copper Mountain, elk hunting in Montana, or walking his property with his dogs, Dean lived his life to the fullest every day, and he forever cherished the wonderful life he built with Lorraine.

Survivors include children, Linda (Chuck) Roberts, Randy (Laura) Hoy, son-in-law Michael Sexton; grandchildren, Jefferson (Jacqui) Roberts, Benjamin (Helen) Roberts, Michael (Laura) Sexton, Nora Sexton; great grandchildren, Cora, Josh, Ella, Avery, Jackson, and Celia. Sister-in-law Anne Hoy Smart and very close family friends Jim “JB” and Sandy Becker.

He was preceded in death by wife Lorraine Hoy; daughter Vickie Sexton: his parents, Leslie Bruce and Mabel Elizabeth Hoy; his siblings, Rex Hoy, Marvin Hoy, Glenn Hoy and Shirley Kirby; his sister-in-law, Lillian Hoy.
Both the Visitation and Memorial Services will be conducted at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr., Lincoln, NE 68516.

Visitation: 3pm-5pm on Sunday, February 25, 2024.

Memorial Service: 11am on Monday, February 26, 2024.

A Private Family Burial will follow the Memorial Service Luncheon.

In lieu of flowers: memorial contributions may be directed towards Dean’s favorite historic non-profit 501(c)13 rural cemetery.
Simmons Saltillo Cemetery
8835 Rifle Dr., Lincoln, NE 68507
c/o Jon Sterns – treasurer

Services

February25

Visitation

CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907
February26

Memorial Service

CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

Share a Memory or Condolence

February 26, 2024

I never had the opportunity to meet Dean in person during my time with State Farm in Lincoln. But it is always telling (to me) when you meet and speak with dozens of people and every single person talks fondly about a certain person. That was my experience with Dean. His legacy as a good human being and wonderful ambassador for State Farm was very real.

– Rick Malsam
February 26, 2024

I knew Dean since I was a small kid. His wife Lorraine and my mom Bertie Klein were best friends. I am so sad not to be able to chat with him on the phone. He always had a joke for me and kept me laughing. He loved Lorraine so much he would tell me the days she had passed. I was so amazed. My mom Bertie Klein sends her sadness to Dean also. God Bless the family that has to go through so much pain.

– Denise Kleckner
February 25, 2024

My husband & I met Dean at State Farm when we, as newlyweds, needed home insurance for our first home. When he stopped by, always a joker, said “I’m probably the only State Farm agent left in town. The rest are all out in Colorado at the Nebraska/Colorado football game!” We so enjoyed his visits. Our sympathy.

– Dean & Judi Muller
February 25, 2024

I knew Dean since I was a kid. I am now 70. His wife Lorraine and my mom Bertie Klein were best friends. I have tears tonight for his passing.

– Denise Kleckner
February 24, 2024

Dean was a long time member of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 569. His jokes and smile are very missed. I’m very proud we were great friends. An aviation bond I will always treasure. From the whole club, rest in peace Dean.

– Cristi Higgins
February 24, 2024

I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Dean. We only met once, but that was enough to know of his loving nature. The dog pictured with Dean was our foster dog. He was a cautious boy that was shy around most people…. However when he met Dean he knew he was home. He walked over to him and then laid down by his chair, never once did he look back at us. We thought the world of Dean. Blessings to all of you in this hard time.

– Julie Mohr, English Springer Rescue America
February 24, 2024

I remember getting a call from Dean, maybe 15 years ago that he was flying to Sioux Falls to see an orthopedic doc who had done some ankle surgery for Dean. I said you bet of course! So I go to our airport at his arrival time and here comes this private plane with a wing span I couldn’t believe and who gets out but Dean. He had flown himself up and during that day shared with me that he had built the plane in Florida over a period of time. Needless to say I had a great time with a great man. Thank you Dean for the memories!

– Ron Arndt
February 23, 2024

So sorry to hear this and so glad we got to meet both Dean and Lorraine. Please know our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.

– Mike & Lee Ann Hamer
February 23, 2024

To Dean’s family—our deepest sympathies to you in the loss of Dean, but with a certain amount of comfort that he is now reunited with Lorraine. Dean was a genuine person and a great State Farm agent for almost 60 years. He easily made friendships that lasted, and had a great “gift of gab” that was always interesting. My wife, another friend, and Dean made a road trip to Lake Okoboji in 2019, and he kept us laughing with his stories. I attended his retirement luncheon last July, and from the speeches—it was very evident that everyone respected Dean. We have many pleasant memories, and may the times you shared with Dean help sustain you during this difficult period. Rest in peace, Dean.

– Bruce McKeag
February 23, 2024

When dad hired you ~ I may have been just 9 but remember how fun you were from then until our very last phone visit. The continued support through many decades gave our families peace of mind, just as the best neighbor would. You being at rest with Him is your final reward. Knowing you are with the love of your life brings me great joy. Peace & Love. Pam & Ed

– Pamela Orcutt Trehearn
February 22, 2024

Great agent, always smiling and friendly! Enjoyed knowing Dean!

– Patrick kappes

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