Elray Eugene Hoylman, 19 Jun 1931 - 26 Aug 2015

HOYLMAN, MILLER, HEPKER, HENNING, HERMAN, ACKERMAN, EDEKER, MARTENS, OROURKE, DOUGLAS, WESTPHAL, MALLOY, ELLIS, WEHR, HERSHBERGER, BURKHOLDER, DOUGLAS

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 10/12/2015 at 15:32:59

Elray Eugene Hoylman died peacefully in his home with his family by his side on August 26, 2015 in North English, Iowa at the age of 84 years.

Elray is survived by his wife, of 61 years, Iva Marie Miller Hoylman, children, James Hoylman (Janice Hepker) of Webster Iowa, Beth Henning (Donald) of Chelsea, Iowa, William Hoylman (Cindy Herman) of South English, Iowa, Jane Ackerman (Paul) of North English , Iowa. Dawn Edeker (Randy) of Urbandale, Iowa. Thirteen grandchildren Nathanael Ackerman, Joshua Hoylman, Meridith Hoylman Martens, Melissa Ackerman O’Rourke, Jennette Ackerman Douglas, Amanda Hoylman Westphal, Jeremiah Hoylman, Corey Ackerman, Emily Edeker Malloy, Hilary Edeker Ellis, Melinda Hoylman Wehr, August Samuel Ackerman, Edmond Henning, 24 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents William and Hettie Hoylman. Brothers, Clifton, Clinton, Rueben and Wayne. Sisters, Shirley Hershberger and Hilda Burkholder Hershberger. Great Grandaugther, Faith Mena Douglas.

Elray was born June 19, 1931 in Holbrook , Iowa to William and Hettie Miller Hoylman. He attended Kinross Schools. He married Iva Marie Miller June 27, 1954. He was a loving husband to Iva and father to Jim, Beth, Bill, Jane and Dawn. Over the years Elray farmed in various locations in eastern Iowa and Florida. Following years of farming he was employed with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics until his retirement in 2000.

Throughout Elray’s life he was involved in church activities and willing to serve others in any capacity. He served his community with his involvement as a 4-H Leader, Cattlemen’s board and Farm Bureau Board.

In retirement camping several years with family and friends throughout the United States was a big part of their travels. He also continued to assist with the fall harvest with his son and son in law. He also enjoyed planting and harvesting his garden and taking care of his lawn. Elray enjoyed being with his family and all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family is appreciative and thankful for the children, grand children and Essence of Life Hospice who have provided loving assistance for the past months. We thank them and are blessed to have had them with us. We also have had other special caregivers, Pat Healey, Kadie Conrad, and Alex Thompson. We feel equally and personally blessed by their loving care.
Memorials may be sent to:
Essence of Life Hospice in Iowa
3207 220th Trail
Amana, Iowa 52203

Services for Elray will be held at:
West Union Mennonite Church 3253 305th St Parnell, Iowa
Elray’s family will accept visitors Sunday August 30, 2015 from 3-6 PM. A funeral is being planned for Monday August 31st 10:30 AM with the Interment following at the West Union Mennonite Cemetery with a reception to follow at the West Union Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate.

Powell Funeral Home, North English is in charge of arrangements.

English Valleys Star, 02 Sept 2015, pg 4
The Gazette, 28 Aug 2015, 10a