Ed was born on June 23, 1934, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Theodore and Lullie Hoeykens. He grew up on a farm in Averill, Minnesota, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a love for life’s lighter moments.
After graduating from Glyndon High School, Ed worked on a farm in Ayr, North Dakota, before being drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon returning home, he began working for Fargo Tank and soon met the love of his life, Marianne Arndt. They married and settled in Fargo, raising four boys. Later, work brought them to the Twin Cities, where they welcomed a daughter and made their home in Blaine—a place they cherished for the rest of their lives.
Ed spent most of his career as a mechanic, always ready to lend a hand and share his skills. His children often joined him in the driveway, learning to bleed brakes, change oil, and tackle any challenge under the hood. His generosity and willingness to help others were hallmarks of his character.
Outside of work, Ed was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and camping with family and friends. He was a proud member of the Rice Creek Snowmobile Club, where he groomed trails and attended countless meetings. Known for his Ole and Lena jokes and quick wit, Ed brought laughter wherever he went.
Family was Ed’s greatest joy. He was deeply proud of his children and found immense happiness in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Spoiling them and sending them home with smiles was one of his favorite pastimes. Ed and Marianne dedicated 25 years to foster care, opening their home and hearts to children in need.
Ed lived a life of kindness, humor, and devotion. He put family and friends above himself and was always ready to help in any way he could. His presence will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ed was preceded in passing by his beloved wife, Marianne Hoeykens; parents, Theodore and Lullie Hoeykens; father and mother-in-law, Otto and Alma Arndt; siblings, Bernadine Smith, John (Betty) Hoeykens; brother-in-law, Chuck Anderson; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Doucette, Idamarie (Ed) Kolpack; brother-in-law, Ralph Kulink.
Ed is survived by his children, Russ Hoeykens of Blaine, MN, Rob (Sabine) Hoeykens of Anoka, MN, Randy (Wendy) Hoeykens of Linwood, MN, Tom (Shelly) Hoeykens of Blaine, MN, and Karen (Scott) Hennen of Jordan, MN; grandchildren, Shana Hoeykens, Melissa Hoeykens, Ryan Hoeykens, Nicholas Hoeykens, Zachary Hoeykens, Lanie Hoeykens, Cassie (Brian) Kujawa, Kellie (Rob) Aderman, Brandon Silvers, Makenzie (Tyler) Weir, Ian Hennen, Aimee Hoffard; thirteen great-grandchildren; sister, Marie Anderson of Fargo, ND; sister-in-law, Norma Kulink of Salem, OR; many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
Please join us on to celebrate Ed's life on Saturday, January 17th, at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN.
Visitation will begin at 10 am, with service at 11 am, and luncheon to follow. Inurnment will be held at Morningside Memorial Gardens at 2:00 pm.
