Obituary: Byron Hoeckle

Byron Hoeckle

Byron Hoeckle, 71, of Binford, N.D., passed away peacefully March 3, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born March 20, 1952, in Jamestown, N.D., to Bruce and Peggy Hoeckle. His childhood years were spent on a farm near Pingree, N.D.

After high school, he attended Valley City State University where he met the love of his life, Glenda. They were married shortly after their college graduation on August 4, 1974, and moved to Binford, N.D., where they raised their family of three children and lived happily for the past 50 years.

Byron taught mostly middle school and high school math over his 43 years as a teacher in both Binford and Midkota Public Schools. He also coached basketball and track, but is most remembered for his Midkota girls' basketball teams, several of which were state Class B contenders, including state champions in 1995. When complimented on the success of his coaching career he always said, "I had really good girls to work with."

Byron and Glenda were faithful members of The Gospel Tabernacle church in Binford where Byron served as a Sunday School teacher, church treasurer, board member and singer. He was known for his good singing voice and was asked to sing at many weddings and funerals. Praising the Lord through music was something he loved.

He passed on his love of music to his three children who were all present with him, along with their families, and able to sing his favorite hymns for him in his last days.

Byron was known for his contagious smile and great sense of humor. Many remember how he loved to have fun and play tricks on people to make them laugh. He had an unwavering faith, humble spirit and was a pillar of strength for his family.

During his battle with cancer, he remained faithful to the Lord and lived his life to glorify God in all circumstances. He bore his struggles with patience and grace. Through the very end he was a faithful witness for Christ to all those around him, including his doctors and nurses.

Byron is survived by his loving wife, Glenda; children, Jeremy (Rachel) Hoeckle of Northwood, N.D., Josh (Mary) Hoeckle of Nashville, Tenn., and Sarah (Tamir) Gerelsukh of Kayseri, Turkey; grandchildren, Judah, Alexander, Toren, Mercy, Mirabelle and Leo; siblings, Charlotte (Mark) Knodel of Bowdon, N.D., Loren (Julie) Hoeckle of Jamestown, N.D., Sandy (Rod) Wilhelm of Jamestown, N.D., Donna Slais of Watford City, N.D., and Greg (Brenda) Hoeckle of Carrington, N.D.; along with many other loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws and brother-in-law, Randy Slais.

Visitation began at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 8, 2024, with a funeral service held at 3:00 p.m. at Midkota Elementary School, Binford, N.D. Interment followed at Binford Gospel Tabernacle Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home of McVille, N.D.