Paul M. Hoerner

Paul Michael Hoerner, 83, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away September 26, 2024, after a short but aggressive battle with Brait-Fahn-Schwartz Disease.  Paul died the way he lived his life, with his eyes fixed on Jesus and the love of his family surrounding him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Greg Tschakert officiating.

Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery following Mass.

A time of fellowship and luncheon will follow the burial at the parish hall.

Visitation will be Thursday, Oct 3, at Schriver's Memorial Chapel from 5-7 p.m. with a liturgical wake and rosary led by Father Jeffrey Schulte at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continues one hour before Mass at the church.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s website following the service.

Paul was born to Michael and Louise (Jistel) Hoerner on October 3, 1940, in Bowdle, SD. He attended country school through eighth grade and then Bowdle High School, graduating in 1958. Following high school, Paul attended Northern State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and later a master’s in education. While attending Northern State University, Paul met the love of his life, Barbara Baus. They were united in marriage on September 11, 1965. From this union, five children were born: Anthony, David, Paula, Andrea, and Andrew.

Paul worked in the education field for nine years. He taught school in Bonilla, SD, Hague, ND, Bowdle, SD, and Willow Lake, SD, along with coaching football, basketball, and track. During his time in Willow Lake, he also served as the principal. Paul and Barb decided to move closer to family, relocating to Aberdeen, SD, where he worked for the next 33 years for Dahme Construction before retiring in 2007. After retirement, Paul worked part-time for Kessler’s, where he made deliveries for the pharmacy and floral departments. He was a longtime volunteer at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital and enjoyed visiting with new and old acquaintances.

Paul loved the Lord, and his faith was at the center of all he did. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, serving in many roles over the years: Lector, Eucharist Minister, Church Sacristan, Rosary Leader, CCD Teacher, Parish Council Member, Church Van Driver, and Homebound Parish Visitor. He was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, a founding member of the Cursillo Movement in Aberdeen, SD, a dedicated Eucharistic Adorer (often filling in for those needing a substitute for their hour, besides fulfilling his own weekly Adoration hour), and regular daily Mass attendee.

Paul had a lifelong interest in amateur radio. In the 1970s, he and Barbara became amateur radio operators, both obtaining General Class Licenses. Paul was the Net Manager for many years and could be found on Wednesday and Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m. running the South Dakota Net Check-Ins. People often commented that he rarely missed a call sign or a name.

After retirement, Paul could often be found at coffee, smiling and sharing stories with those around him.  He loved his family and enjoyed sharing news about his children and grandchildren, whom he was so proud of.

Paul will be greatly missed by his wife of 59 years, Barbara; his children Anthony (Patti) Hoerner, David (Tami) Hoerner and children Stephen & Shaun; Paula (Eric) Gunderson and children Michaela, Blake & Kale; Andrea (Jim) Enga and children Emily, Noah & Caleb; Andrew (Gladys) Hoerner; his brothers Floyd Hoerner and Norbert (Rosemarie) Hoerner; sisters-in-law Marian Krumm, Janice (Gary) McChesney, Evelyn (Ray) Schmidt, Carol (Niel) Haar, and Kathy (Toby) Wolf.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Louise Hoerner; mother and father-in-law, Alfred and Edith Baus; grandsons Alexander David Hoerner and Micah Paul Enga; brother Ray (Barbara) Hoerner; sister-in-law Mary Hoerner; and brother-in-law Adolph Krumm.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lyle Biegler, Dr. Dave Wachs, and the Avera Home Hospice staff for their compassionate care of Paul.

In lieu of flowers, please have a memorial Mass said in Paul's honor, or contributions for financial assistance for Roncalli students can be made in Paul's memory to the Aberdeen Catholic School System, 1400 N Dakota St., Aberdeen SD 57401, or online at www.aberdeenroncalli.org