Donald C. Hoehn

Don was born on May 29, 1921 in Princeton, MN to the late Frederick and Erma (Steeves) Hoehn. He grew up and attended school in Princeton, MN where he graduated from Princeton High School. Don was united in marriage to Helen Bockoven on September 6, 1952 in Iowa. He enlisted into the Minnesota National Guard in 1939 and was later called to active duty by the U.S. Army Air Corps. in 1941. Don served as a tail gunner on B-24 bomber airplanes in the Pacific Theater, flying over 40 missions. He was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross and three Bronze Stars. Don was honorably discharged on July 12, 1945. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Princeton, MN where he worked on a game farm. In 1947 he moved to Alaska were he helped build airfields as an engineer technician. He later returned back to Princeton, MN where he was employed as an engineering aide for the state of Minnesota. Don was employed by the state of Minnesota until 1960 when he relocated to Silver Bay, MN to work as a land surveyor. In 1962 he moved to Safford, AZ and was employed by the Federal Highway Administration as a civil engineer from which he retired on May 30, 1981. Don and Helen lived in Safford, AZ for 40 years enjoying the desert and searching for Indian artifacts. In his free time Don was an avid fisherman and hunted across eastern Arizona. He had a very kind and gentle spirit about him. His wonderful sense of humor was a joy to be around and he was often known by his family as “Fritz”. Don was a member of The Church of Christ in Safford, AZ and was a lifetime member of the NRA, American Legion in Safford, AZ and DAV (Disabled American Veterans). For the last three years of his life, Don lived in Mesa, AZ near his niece Kathie Brewer who helped with his care. Don is survived by brother, Dalton (Lori) Hoehn of Zimmerman, MN; sisters, Ruth Teboe of Princeton, MN and Norene Martin of Del Ray Beach, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by wife of 50 years, Helen Hoehn; mother, Erma Hoehn, father, Fred Hoehn, and step-mother, Esther Hoehn; brothers, Russell Hoehn and Joseph Hoehn; and sisters, Ethel Shaw, Mildred Paulaha, Louise Ossell and Mary Ann Hoehn.

Tributes

Donald C. Hoehn

May 29, 1921 - May 10, 2012