Francis Hoynes
January 28, 1924 ~ July 25, 2016
Francis “Red” Hoynes of Fargo and formerly of Towner, passed away on Monday, July 25, in Fargo.
Red was born on January 28, 1924, to Russell and Lena Hoynes in Mapes, ND. At an early age the family moved to Guthrie, ND where he attended grade school. In 1936, the family moved to Towner and Red attended high school. In 1943 Red enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II aboard the aircraft carrier, The USS Wasp. He was honorably discharged in 1946. That same year he was united in marriage to Charlotte Ward at St. Cecilia’s Church in Towner. Together they raised two daughters: Sheryl and Geraldine (Geri).
Red worked for a few years at the Red Owl grocery store before he started working as a bookkeeper in the County Auditor’s Office under Tony Burckhard, beginning in 1952 until he was elected County Auditor in 1971. He retired from that office in 1990. He was McHenry County Veteran’s Service Officer for 51 years until 2014. Red was active in the American Legion, the VFW, Catholic Order of Foresters, and on the church cemetery board. During his younger years he enjoyed bowling, fishing and hunting. He went on many fishing trips to Canada with a group of men from Towner. His true passion, and on he was excellent at, was woodworking. He made many beautiful wood items that are treasures for us to remember him by.
Red is survived by his children: Sheryl (Vern) Hanson of Fargo; Geri (Jerry) Zainhofsky of Bismarck; 6 grandchildren: Heather (Chris) Lindgren of Hastings, NE; Tara (Craig) Hauglie of Fargo; Shane (fiancé Kelsie Wagar) Hanson of Fargo; Amy Hanson of Fargo; Scott (Christy) Zainhofsky of Bismarck; and Blaine (Sarah) Zainhofsky of Bismarck. He is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Carolyn Aubol and Cecilia Kossan of Las Vegas, NV; Jim Hoynes of Bismarck; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, his parents, his brother Clarence and his sister, Mary Lou Boehnke of Bottineau and his infant grandson, Joseph Zainhofsky.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorial to a veteran’s organization of their choice.
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Francis worked for the Veterans of McHenry County for over 50 years. He was a pleasure to work with and he was a true gentleman. I had a great deal of respect for Francis’ service in WWII. He was one who contributed to the fact that his generation was “The Greatest Generation”. I enjoyed his company and will truly miss him. My condolences to his family.
It was a pleasure to know and work with Francis. I had the pleasure of sitting next to him at several conferences and he always proved his wealth of knowledge and experience, which he willing shared with us all.
The North Dakota Tribal and Veterans Officer Association as a whole will miss Francis, greatly.
As an association we offer Condolences to Francis’ family and friends (of which we count ourselves)
May God Bless you and Give you strength in these sad times.
My condolences to the family. I respect the fact that Mr. Hoynes served the veterans of McHenry County for 51 years. That’s dedication!
I give the family my condolences. I know losing a loved one is very hard to go through. May you all receive comfort from God during this tough time (John 5:28,29).