Christopher Daniel Hoyum, age 31, of Marquette, Mich., formerly of Escanaba, died unexpectedly, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 at home.
Christopher was born Feb. 18, 1976 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., the son of Harvey and Diane (Koceja) Hoyum. Chris was raised in Escanaba and was a 1994 graduate of Escanaba High School. While at E.H.S. he participated in football and baseball. Chris continued his education at Northern Michigan University and received his B.S. degree in illustration. Chris served his country with the U.S. Army National Guard 107 th Engineer Battalion in Gladstone and he served on active duty in Iraq in 2005.
Christopher was united in marriage to the former Kimberly Slotterback on July 3, 2004 at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette.
Chris was a very talented artist. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and downhill skiing. He enjoyed walking his two dogs, Clyde and Rudy, which provided him with much comfort.
In addition to his wife Kimberly, survivors include his parents, Harvey and Diane Hoyum of Escanaba; grandmother, Elizabeth Hoyum of Green Bay, Wisc.; two sisters, Teresa (Scott) Splan of Onaway, Mich. and Nancy Goodman of Louisville, Ky; a n ephew, Charles Goodman of Louisville, Ky.; father-in-law, Floyd (Patricia) Slotterback of Marquette; m other-in-law, Carla Schoenbaum of Lincoln, Neb.; a sister-in-law, Jen Slotterback of Chicago, Ill.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He also is survived by his b irth mother, Deborah Lundelius, and two half brothers, Dusty and Carl, all of Florida.
Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harvey Hoyum Sr., and Ralph and Florence Koceja; and an uncle, Richard Koceja.
Christopher’s family will receive friends Saturday from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. at theSkradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military rites conducted by the Delta County Veterans Council will follow at 11:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Christopher Daniel Hoyum will follow at noon at St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Michael Steber officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church parish hall. Burial will be at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Chris may be directed to the Delta or Marquette County Humane Societies, envelopes will be available at theSkradski Family Funeral Homes.
Anonymous
Mr. Hoyum, Mom recently shared with me the news of your beloved Chris’ untimely death. I am certain you loved him and guided him along his path to adulthood, as you did with many of us at Mid Peninsula High School…myself included. All of my warm thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Debbie (Stevenson) Miller
Waupaca, WI
Diane, Harvey, and Family,
I just read Chris’s obituary online in the Daily Press. You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son, and how handsome he was.
It’s been a long time since I last was in touch with you, Diane, but I can never forget my co-workers at St Francis in the ER.
Again, my deepest sympathy to you and to your family. Remember the blessing of having him for his short life. He will live on in our hearts. Always blessings; never losses.
Mary Lee Maki
Little Chute, WI
Harvey and Diane, My thoughts and prayers are with you with the loss of your son. I knew you moved away, but did not know you were in Chassel. My friend Joan DeKeyser and I take a ride every once in awhile. We may stop to see you. Take care and by best wishes to your family.
Kahty Paul
Rapid River, MI
I Just heard the news and didn’t believe it at first. I just wanted to send my sincere condolences to Kim and family. I knew Chris from the tables and we hung out on a few occasions. I still have the euromastix and he is doing fine, A reptile Chris bestowed on me some time ago. I will keep Kim and all in prayer and best wishes. To Chris a salute in remberence and farewell, may God keep you Amen.
Cont @ 228-2036
p.o. Box 83 Marquette
Richard.J.Smith
Marquette, MI
A friend to my father. A brother in uniform. While Chris and I were not close, we are bonded truly by family and values. We grieve so heavily for Kim, Mickey and Diane. We know not of your loss but are here to lean on, always. Chris now shares the gift that Grandpa, Grandma and Dad were given. My prayers are with all of the Hoyum and Koceja family today and always. May we all thank christ for giving us the time with Chris, We love you.
Bradley, Katie and Hanna Smith (Koceja)
Fort Collins, CO
Kim:
So, difficult to hear of your loss. May you find a harmony for the notes of your changed life-song.
(I met your at your Dad’s wedding)
Babette Welch
Marquette, MI
Chris was a very brave young man. His heart was as big as the ocean. He went out of his way, sacrifically, to help others in need. In spite of his frequent need for bedrest and continuous oxygen, he was always there for his wife Kim and she for him. I am blessed to have known him and his wife. Dear Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord Jesus carry you and sustain you during this time of confusion and grief. Love, Mary Kelto
Mary Kelto
Ishpeming, MI
Dear Kim,
I am truly sorry about the loss of your husband. I regret that we were never able to meet, but I’m sure he was a wonderful person. He is up there now looking down on you and hoping you’re not too sad. Even though I didn’t know him, I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to be in a lot of pain. It takes time to grieve…give yourself that time. From my family, please accept our sincerest sympathies. You are in our prayers.
Kathy Stull
Gwinn, MI
Nancy and Family: Sorry to hear of your loss. The pain and sense of loss of losing a life so young and full of potential is something very hard to understand. What got me through losing my brother Dan was remembering all the wonderful times we shared growing up and living in our old neighborhood. And knowing the Dan and Christopher would not want us shedding tears over them but would rather have us smiling in rememberance of how they have touched our lives. Thinking of you (as is my entire family).
Jenny (Heller) Baumler & The rest of the Heller Family
Escanaba, MI
Kim, we were saddened to hear of your loss. We hope to see you back to work soon.
Mike Angeli, MPD
Marquette, MI
We met Chris when he was working for Filter Queen and he came to our home for a presentation.( We ended up buying both the vac and air filter system.) We enjoyed his company. We would see him many times after that and he was always sincere and caring. I also remember when he married Kimberly they came to our flower shop ( Forsberg Flowers ) and I helped them pick out weddng flowers. Although we didn’t know him well, he was a very interesting person and one whom we remember. Our sympathies to all of you .
Mark and Pam Forsberg
Marquette, MI
So sorry, Kim that you and your family and loved ones are experiencing this sorrow. Be assured that the gentle hand of God will always be there for you and see you through as time goes by.
Joylyn Wahla
Marquette, MI
Dear Kim and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Marianne Saarivirta-Kolpack
Marquette, MI
My wife and I were so very sorry to learn of your son’s deather. Somehow it seems very wrong for a child to die before his parents. I’m soarry that we didn’t know Chris, but I have worked with Harvery on many different committees. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. I wish there was something that I could do to ease the hurt and pain. Our sympathies to you all.
Paul and Vera Blewett
Rockledge, FL
Kim, my thoughts are with you and tears are shed. May Chris find rest and comfort. His suffering is over. May you find the strength to carry on knowing you have loved him and he has loved you. Give Clyde a hug for me, I know he’ll miss Chris, as we all will. Take care.
Teresa Pepin (Citgo)
Marquette, MI
Harvey,Diane,and Kimberly,
Gary and I would like to express our condolences in the loss of your son and husband Chris. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this very difficult time. Gary and I remember fondly our years with Harvey and the many times and stories he shared about Chris. We hope that God’s peace and comfort will strengthen you through prayer.
Mary and Gary Brayak
Rapid River, MI
Dear Harvey and Family-
Kelly and I are so sorry for the loss of your beloved son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
Greg & Kelly Libby
Escanaba, MI
My heart and prayers go out to the family of Chris Hoyum. He used to live by me. (lake shore drive, Escanaba) I remember playing with him over at the tot lot as little kids. We used to have so much fun. I havent seen Chris since I was a young girl, but he was a good person. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless.
Amber Lauscher (Stannard)
Corry, PA
Mr. Hoyum and Family,
I’m am terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your son! I will be praying for you and your family through this devastating time. I hope and pray you will continually be surrounded by the love of family, friends, and the love of God.
Peace be with you and your family,
Tiffany Ferrari (former student)
Marquette, MI
Diane and Harvey, I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your wonderful son, Chris. We send our sincere condolences to you.
Bill and Diana Kwarciany
Escanaba, MI
Kim, Harvey and Diane,
I have not lived in the UP since graduation, and lost contact with Chris around that time. I am at a lost to explain how I now wish I could have been a part of his life for the last 14 years learning of what a great person/friend he was as many of people on this tribute have expressed. The greatest memory that I can give is that he was a “Full Out” type guy. He was a ferocious competitor, yet a friend that brought calmness.
Joseph and Karla (Johnson) McGuigan
Plover, WI
Bill and i are so sorry for your lose. It is out of sink for a child to proceed a parent, I can not imagine your sorrow, but our prayers are with you.
Bill and Donna Perron
Escanaba, MI
Kim – I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol Bergman
Marquette, MI
Dear Harvey and Diane –
Sue and I just read of your son’s death on the internet while in Florida. We would like to extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to both of you and to your daughter-in-law. Your son will be in my prayers at Mass this weekend.
Dick Burroughs
Escanaba, MI
Nancy and Hoyum Family;
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that our hearts and prayers go out to you!
Kerrie Anne Neumann (Johnson) and Family
Salem, WI
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Christopher. We are saddened and crushed at the news of his passing.
Christine Garceau Photography
Christine Garceau
Marquette, MI
To the Hoyum family, my heart is hurting for you…when I heard the news of chris passing away, I was devastated. He will be missed There isnt alot of people in this world that are as genuine as chris was. He had a heart of gold. I hope it gives you comfort in knowing that he is with our Heavenly Father. He will be waiting for you at heavens gates. I want you to know that Im praying for you. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!! “Rest in peace my friend.”
Maria Berry
Marquette, MI
I walked with Chris and Clyde many times at the dog park in Marquette. I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a nice guy and he loved him dogs. Know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time.
Tracy VanAbel
Marquette, MI
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tara Trombly
Mesa, AZ
Dear Harvey & Family:
It was truly a shock to read of Chris’ death. I’ve known him for sometime, through St. Anne’s and on a personal level. He had a beautiful heart, and although at times he stuggled in faith, I know he held Our Lord close, and I know how God cherished him.
I wish I knew why these things happen, but that is not ours to know. I will offering Mass for Chris here at our church in New Haven, CT this Sunday. Please be assured of my prayers and heartfelt sympathy.
In Christ,
Fr. Shawn
Fr. Shawn M. Smith LHC
New Haven, CT
I feel for your lost, I will keep you in my prayers. May the Lord Bless you in this time of need.
Mary Mcknight (McGuigan)
Escanaba, MI
Hoyum Family, I was saddened by the news of Chris’s passing. He was such a wonderful person and I enjoyed the time I was able to work with him in Marquette at the gas station. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
Sarah Baumgartner
Iron River, MI
I was saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Chris. It’s difficult to know that people you care about struggling and suffering knowing you can’t do anything to relieve the pain. May he rest in Peace and may Perpetual Light shine upon him. I pray that Chris’ family and friends may be open to God’s healing Grace during this time.
Al Chroman
Marquette, MI
Harvey,Diane, and Kimberly,
I wish to express my deepest sympathies to all of you during this saddened time of Chris’s passing. I have certainly recalled the memories of playing baseball and going to school with Chris. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and with Chris!
Jim LeMire
Janesville, WI
Dear Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. If you ever need anything, give me a call or come over anytime. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You.
Sherry Nutt
K.I. Sawyer, MI
I remember many good times with Chris, growing up next door. He was a very smart (almost too smart) friend and will be missed. He had a heart that was truly genuine and was always there when the times got tough. His tenacity to excel was unrivaled in my group of friends (even to this day). He had a great eye for detail and it was reflected in his drawings he and I did together.
Harvey, Diane, Theresa, Nancy and Kim; you have my sincere condolences and please know that he is in a better place, having fun doing the things he loves to do.
Brian and Debbie Grall
Milwaukee, WI
To the Hoyoum Family Sorry to hear of the loss of your son my son Mike Sherman went to school with Chris and he was a great person my prayers are with you all during this difficult time
Judy Warner
Escanaba, MI
Mr and Mrs Hoyum,
I was so sad to hear of the news of Chris’s death. It seems like yesterday we were playing kickball at Jefferson Elementary and having Boy Scout meetings at your home.
Sincerely,
Dave Harris
Lieutenant Commander (USN) David and Monica Harris
Norfolk, VA
Harvy and Diane,
I just wanted to let you know I’m keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers, so sorry to read about the loss of Christopher, as we still are feeling the loss of your mom. Be strong and Take care.
Cheryl Patrick (Bishop Noa Home)
Rock, MI
Dear Harvey and Diane, My wife, Deb, and I were saddened to hear about Chris’ un-timely death. As you know, I had Chris as a student in math class and thought highly of him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of sadness.
James Jankowski
Escanaba, MI
Mr. Hoyum & family, sorry to hear of the loss of your son. I’m sure you remember me,..I am Hank Hadels youngest sister, Jeannie. We lost my husband to cancer in November 2006. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Jeannie Jewell (Hadel)
Rock, MI