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   Chester “Gene” Eugene Hoyt, Jr., age 82, of Longville, Minnesota went home to his Lord and savior on December 15th, 2025, at his home. He was born to Margaret (Bartlett) and Chester “Bud” Hoyt, Sr. on Monday, February 15th, 1943, in McHenry, ND.

   Gene married the love of his life Bertha Hillesland on July 27, 1963 and together they had four beautiful children. Throughout the years, he worked various carpentry jobs before settling down in Clearwater, MN with his family. Gene retired from Ryan Construction as a finishing cabinet maker in 2000.  

   He always had a good laugh and gave his family and friends a few too. If you knew Gene, you knew that his favorite sayings were “are you a pollock” and “that’ll do”. Hunting and fishing were some of the things he enjoyed most about the up-north lake life, where he made many memories. Gene’s favorite hobby was teaching kids how to fillet a fish, so he didn’t have to do it anymore. He had strong religious beliefs and was baptized into faith with his youngest daughter. Gene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be missed by many.

   Family that Gene is reunited with are his wife Bertha, parents Margaret and Bud, grandson Justin McSorley, infant brother Timothy and sister-in-law Mary Hillesland.

   He leaves behind his children Natalie (Joel) Mathews, Nita (Thomas) Searcy, Timothy (Phyllis) and Tom (Rose) Hoyt, extra special bonus daughter Janet (John) Gaulrapp, 12 grandchildren, 15 (and one on the way) great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

   A memorial service for Gene will be held on Saturday, December 27th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Federal Dam, MN. A one-hour visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.  Pastor Deloris Hillstrom will officiate. He will be buried next to his wife in the West Prairie Cemetery in Binford, ND at a later date.

   Gene’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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