Harold W. Hoag

Age 88 of Anoka on Aug. 30, 2011. Born April 15, 1923 in Superior, WI to John H. and Catherine E. Hoag. Harold grew up in Superior; graduating from Superior Central HS. He married Beverly Alguire in July 1942, and together they raised four children: Jeff, Steve, Cathy and Barbara. A son, Tommy Lee, died in infancy. Following service in WWII, Harold received a B.S. degree in education at Superior (WI) State and taught at Clear Lake (WI) H.S. for several years. The young family moved to Anoka in 1954 where Harold taught 7th grade math at Anoka Junior High for many years. He also coached 7th grade basketball and was known to open up the junior high gym for basketball on Sundays (un-authorized, of course!) He was a popular teacher and coach, known for his wit and sense of humor. He started the SMSG program for gifted 7th grade math students in the early 1960’s. In 1969, he received an M.Ed degree from the U of M and was a guidance counselor at Jackson Junior HS in Champlin until his retirement in 1982. Harold had many interests including old cars (especially Studebakers), sports (basketball, Gophers, Twins, Vikings), MPR (especially Garrison Keillor, one of his 1st students at Anoka Junior High!), and poker club with his old teaching cronies. He loved the house he lived in for 50 yrs. He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wife, Beverly, passed away in March 1973, and later that year he married Marilyn Obst. Her three sons, David, Keith and Dean, quickly became part of his family. Harold and Marilyn travelled extensively and spent winters in Arizona. Harold was preceded in death by his parent; first wife, Beverly; and infant son, Tommy Lee. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; brother, Richard Hoag of Queens, NY; sons, Jeff (Ann) of Rochester, MN and Steve (Geri) of Shakopee; daughters, Catherine Waldemar (Frank) of Blaine and Barbara Gadon (Robert) of Chicago, IL; stepsons, David Obst (Margaret) of Winona, Keith Obst (Sharon) of Cloquet and Dean Obst of Minneapolis. In addition, Harold is survived by 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who brought him such delight! He had many friends and teaching colleagues who will miss his wit and humor. Special thanks to the staff of Anoka Care Center for their warmth and care given. Services were held Saturday at Gearhart Anoka Chapel with Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka. Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society or MPR.