Edward Hoch was born on September 19, 1934 to August and Hulda Hoch. Eddie grew up with 9 siblings and attended school in Wolf Point until the eighth grade. He started butchering at age 16 and learned the art of meat processing from Guy Ault.
On October 4, 1955, Ed married Lena Dyck. They made their home on the farm where Eddie grew up and together raised 7 children. He grew wheat and barley and raised cattle, chickens, pigs and turkeys. Eddie believed in hard work and taught his children everything he knew about the farm and butchering.
Ed was very involved with his family. He had his own softball team with his 6 sons, and they won many trophies. He enjoyed hunting with his brother, Elmer, and his boys. In his later years, he was an avid golfer and enjoyed collecting golf balls. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards and visiting with friends. He had a great sense of humor, a bit goofy at times, but loved to make people laugh.
He was a Christian man and very involved in his faith. He served on the board of Assembly of God Church for 5 years and on the board at the Community Bible Church for 10 years. When he passed, he had 75 people on his prayer list for whom he prayed every night. God and church were always a top priority in his life.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lena, and their children: Ernie (Carla) of Chewelah, WA; Eric (Mary Kay) of Williston, ND; Everyl (Doreen) of Deer Park, WA; Ellery (Lori Ann) of Wolf Point, MT; Lorita (Bruce) of Blaine, MN; Emory (Dalynn) of St. Charles, IL; and Eli (Denise) of Lino Lakes, MN. Grandchildren – Eliane, Elondra, Evan, Erin, Alyssa, Savanna, Loni, Jeannie, Kayla, Patrick, Carlie, Kenton, Austin, Lindsey, Lauren, Elynn, Easton, Colin and Garrett; and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters; Esther Anderson of Wolf Point, MT and Evelyn Knight of Rapid City, SD and two brothers; Elmer Hoch of Missoula, MT and Ervin Hoch of Port Angeles, WA.
He was preceded in death by his parents August and Hulda, two sisters; Elsie Bergen and Ella Krahn, three brothers; Emil, Elias and Elvern and his nephew Dave Hoch.