Wayne Robert Hoag

Passed away Sunday, February 15, 2015, at home after a brief battle with cancer. He was born March 19, 1946, in International Falls, MN, the son of Robert and Betty (McNeely) Hoag. Wayne moved to Kalamazoo when he was five years old and attended St. Mary’s Elementary School. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the class of 1964 and earned a BBA from Western Michigan University. Wayne served with the Air Force from 1965-1969 during the Vietnam War and was stationed in the Philippines and Taiwan. On April 4, 1970 Wayne married Mary Elizabeth Cagney at St. Augustine Cathedral, and they would have celebrated their 45th anniversary this coming April. Wayne was employed by the City of Portage, Stryker Corporation, Builder’s Square and for many years, Steensma Lawn and Power. Wayne was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a dedicated caregiver for several family members. He enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, gardening, and was a loyal Detroit Tiger fan. Wayne was preceded in death by his brother Robert in 2004 and his sister Shelley in August, 2014. He is survived by his loving wife Beth; sons, Matthew (Tammi) of Charlotte, MI, Daniel (Marianne Swierenga) of Portage; daughter, Caitlin of Kalamazoo; grandsons, David and Bishop; brothers, Barry and Michael; aunts, Marie and Joanne; cousins, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Friends will be received Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Kalamazoo, MI 49008, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM. A military service will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to St. Augustine Elementary School, Reverence Hospice, or the Kalamazoo Public Library.