Dr. Irwin (Irv) Frank Hoeft was one of the Greatest Generation. He served in the US Army Air Corps, taking part in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations as a pilot in the 47th attack bomb group, 85th Squadron, from 1941-1946, flying A20’s and B25’s. He was stationed in Italy, Corsica and France. While in service, he was promoted to Lieutenant and earned the Air Medal award with two Oak Leaf clusters.

After his honorable discharge from the military, he attended the Chicago College of Osteopathy, graduating in 1952. For nearly 40 years he had a successful family private practice and was recognized as Wisconsin Family Physician of the Year. While in practice as a family physician, he served for a time as Chief of Staff at the Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Hoeft was active in the local community singing every Sunday in the First Baptist Church choir, and teaching Adult Sunday School. He supported the American Legion, VFW, and successfully ran for the Oconomowoc School Board.

He was a lifelong resident of Oconomowoc, born September 23, 1919, and died November 26, 2019. Parents John Joseph Hoeft and Rosalie Schwarz Hoeft, both of Oconomowoc, predeceased him as did brothers John A. Hoeft and George A. Hoeft, and wife, Ina Mae (Grindrod) Hoeft, whom he married October 12, 1943.

He is survived by his children: Dr. Thomas G. Hoeft (Lyn Hoeft), Wendy (Hoeft) Paton (Dr. David Paton), and Dr. Mary Lee (Hoeft) Vance (Eric Vance); grandchildren Dr. Susan (Hoeft) Dando (Todd Dando), Thomas J. Hoeft (Dr. Olga Kuchar), Peter Hoeft (Emily Hoeft), Jenni Paton, Justin Paton (Lacee Johnson); great grandchildren: Madeline Dando, Jackson Dando, Natalie Hoeft, River Paton, Zoë Paton, Poppy Hoeft; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 9am to 10:30am at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home at: 121 Cross Street, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, 53066. Service will start at 11am, with interment following at Oconomowoc Lake La Belle Cemetery. Light luncheon to follow interment.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to all the members of the community who provided kindness and compassion to Dr. Irwin F. Hoeft. The thoughts and prayers have been greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Dr. Irwin F. Hoeft to the Oconomowoc Public Library, 200 W South St, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.