Robert "Bob" W. Hoerning, age 83, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away peacefully on Friday, September 16, 2016. He was born on August 18, 1933 in New London, WI, to the late Edward and Madeline (Henderson) Hoerning. He married the love of his life, Joyce Jacobs on August 24th, 1955. Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who devoted his life to his family and faith. He treasured joyous gatherings that always included lots of food and plenty of laughter. Bob valued family above all. He was involved in each and every one of his children's and grandchildren's lives. He and Joyce were the number one fans at all sporting events. Every year he looked forward to those special bird hunting and fishing outings with his dad, brothers and sons. Bob immensely enjoyed spending the winters with family in Florida and the summers at the cottage in New London.
Bob attended the Salvatorian Seminary at St. Nazianz from 1948 to 1950 and New London High School from 1950 to 1952. He then attended St. Norbert College. At St. Norbert he earned 9 varsity letters in football, basketball and track. He was twice named to the Associated Press Little All-American and Catholic Little All-American teams, and was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams. Bob graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Following graduation he served in the U.S. Army for three years in Fort Benning Georgia, and was the head coach for the Fort Benning Doughboys for 3 years.
Bob moved to De Pere, WI in 1959, where he began his 34 year career at West De Pere High School, serving as teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal and principal. For his contribution to coaching in 1982 he was inducted into the NAIA District 14 Hall of Fame. Bob earned a master's degree from St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus, the De Pere Kiwanis, and Wisconsin Association of School Administrators and was a trustee, communion distributor, and lector at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
Bob is survived by his wife Joyce; six children, Jeff (Gail Allen) Hoerning, Madison, WI; Connie (Mark) Schink, De Pere, WI; Joe (Sandy) Hoerning, Green Bay, WI, Kim Hoerning, De Pere, WI; Todd (Nina) Hoerning, Deerfield Beach, FL; Craig (Cindy) Hoerning, Greenville, WI. Bob is further survived by his 15 grandchildren, Chas, Melissa, Justin, Sarah, Cristin, Nathan, Steven, Jordan, Cody, Elizabeth, Caitlin, Joshua, Lilly, Callie, Abigael and 9 great grandchildren, McKenna, Joey, Aydin, Emre, Natalie, Alara, Charlie, Claire and Bobby. He is also survived by his brothers, Dick (Marlene), Gary (Sandy) and sister-in-law Jeri. He was proceeded in death by his parents Edward and Madeline, and his brother Duane.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1305 Lourdes Avenue, De Pere, WI until the time of service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Bob at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Saint Vincent Hospital, Green Bay for their loving care and support. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, De Pere, WI.
