David Earl Hoege

David Earl Hoege, age 82, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, passed away on September 10, 2026, at his son’s home in Madison. David was born in Reedsburg on March 31, 1944, to Maurice R. and Gladys (Westenhaver) Hoege. He was the fourth of their children and the firstborn twin sons.

On September 2, 1967, David was united in marriage to Lois W. Caldwell in Memphis, Tennessee. The couple met while David was stationed at Naval Air Station during his service in the United States Marine Corps. Their marriage was blessed with three children.

After leaving the Marine Corps, David attended the police academy in Memphis and served there during a pivotal period in our nation’s history, including the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. David and Lois later returned home to Reedsburg, where they raised their family.

Throughout his life, David often worked several jobs at the same time. His life’s purpose was to help others, and he did so in many ways. He was among the area’s earliest emergency medical technicians and served as an EMT for approximately 30 years. He also worked on the Lake Redstone boat patrol and taught hunter safety for an incredible 50 years. During his tenure with the Reedsburg Police Department, David achieved the rank of lieutenant.

Despite his busy schedule, David made time for many hobbies and, most importantly, for his family. David and Lois often took Mary and Jeff roller-skating at the Sauk City skating rink until a back injury prevented him from continuing. He cherished spending time with Lois and their children, as well as playing volleyball with his siblings and their families.

David felt most at home outdoors. He spent countless hours tending his garden, taking pride in each season’s harvest and canning vegetables to be enjoyed long after the growing season had ended. The woods and water were places of both adventure and peace for him, whether he was hunting, casting a fishing line, or simply appreciating the quiet of nature. These were more than hobbies to David—they were treasured traditions, often made even more meaningful when shared with family and friends.

David always enjoyed a good card game. Around Reedsburg, he could often be seen riding his Honda motorcycle. During the family’s early years back in Reedsburg, David joined his twin brother, Dale, in the Reedsburg Flying Club. On many Saturday and Sunday mornings, he would wake the family for a flight to Sextonville to enjoy the breakfast buffet. In the fall, he enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois, who passed away this past June; his infant daughter, Melissa June; his parents, Maurice and Gladys Hoege; his parents-in-law, Albert Mason and Sarah Wynelda (Rydall) Caldwell; his brothers, Donald (Victoria) Hoege and his twin brother, Dale R. Hoege; his brothers-in-law, Leo Schutz and Frederick M. Caldwell; his sisters-in-law, Margaret “June” (Gary) Hanlin, Violet “Louise” (James) Best, and Janice Caldwell; his niece, Wendy Schutz; and his nephew, Gerald “Jerry” Best.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary W. (Gary) Bellis; his son, Jeffrey A. (Jaidalyn) Hoege; his brother, Robert L. (Reta) Hoege; his sister, Shirley Schutz; his brothers-in-law, William S. (Winona) Caldwell and Lonnie R. (Patricia) Caldwell; his sisters-in-law, Beverly Hoege and Sandra Caldwell; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, September 21, 2026 at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg. Evangelist Lonnie Caldwell will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. David will be laid to rest with military honors at the Greenwood Cemetery in Reedsburg.