NORTH LIMA, Ohio, USA – George Arne Rickard Hojer, formerly of Poland, Ohio and Canfield,Ohio passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 following a brief illness.
He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on Aug. 4, 1919, the youngest child of Alexander Hojer and Augusta Storm Hojer. He grew up in Brier Hill and the Little Sweden community on East Delason Avenue. He maintained close relationships with his childhood friends throughout his life.
After he graduated from South High School in 1937, he went to work at the Union National Bank. He began in the mail room and retired from the bank in 1984 as the bank’s senior vice president and secretary of the Board of Directors. During his tenure, he managed many projects including computerizing the bank’s account records and for 10 years, he broadcast a daily five minute radio program “When Money Matters.”
His banking career was interrupted by WWII. He served for three and a half years as one of the first radar navigators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He flew 50 missions in the European Theatre of Operations and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with one cluster, and the Air Medal with three clusters. In recent years, he enjoyed activities with fellow veterans in the World War Heritage Group.
George was deeply committed to his church. A lifelong member of the First Covenant Church, he served as trustee, deacon, Sunday School teacher, treasurer, and church chairman. He also sang in the church choir and the men’s quartet.
He was actively involved in community and civic affairs. He was president of the Poland Board of Education and of the Youngstown Ohio Chapter of the American Institute of Banking, and served on the boards of Junior Achievement, American Cancer Society, Planned Parenthood, United Way, The Heart Association, and the Poland Forestry Board. After his retirement from the bank, he took up golf with a passion.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances Rachel (Sexton); daughters, Susan Sundell of Salem, New Hampshire and Leslie Robinson of Pensacola, Fla.; grandson, Evan Hojer Robinson of Gainesville, Fla.; nephews, Dr. Philip Howren, Eric Hoyer and Gary Hoyer; and nieces, Marilyn Howren Faix and Donna Howren Haug.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Eric A. Hoyer and a sister, Austa M. Howren.
Friends may call on the family at the First Covenant Church on Glenwood Ave. in Boardman, Ohio Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 from 10 to 11 a.m.
A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church.
George was devoted to his wife and family, a man of deep faith and fundamental optimism. “We miss his wisdom, assurance and good humor. We love you, Dad.”
Arrangements are being handled by the Anstrom-Velker Funeral Home.
Youngstown Vindicator, Youngstown, Ohio
January 1, 2009
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