Norman E. Hoeft

Norman E. Hoeft, 88, of David City, died Monday, May 27, 2024 at David Place in David City. 

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLANTS, and STATUES: Memorials may be directed to the David City Volunteer Fire Department, Nebraska Firefighters Museum of Kearney, Dwight Legion Post #110, or Family Choice. 

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at the Butler County Event Center in David City. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in David City, with family present from 5-7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Event Center. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery. Lunch to follow at the Butler County Event Center. Moravec Johnson Mortuary is handling arrangements for Norm's family. 

Norman E Hoeft was born in Seward NE on March 1, 1936, to John and Naomi Hoeft, he was the oldest of two children. He went to grade school, high school, and the school of hard knocks. He enlisted in the Army and was discharged to the Nebraska National Guard Armory in Seward in 1963 as a Staff Sgt. He was united in marriage to Catherine (Marie) Vandenberg on December 27, 1958, at St Francis (Center) Church and seven children were born into this union. The couple lived and raised their children in David City, NE. He worked part time for the David City Police Dept and as a Deputy for the Butler Co Sheriff Dept. He was part owner and operator of the weekly newspaper, The Banner Press for 35 yrs. He also owned and operated Fire Extinguisher Sales and Service and Custom Printing in David City. He was active in many public service organizations and served many leadership roles. He was a member of the David City Volunteer Fire Dept. He served as Emergency Manager for Butler Co NE for over 40 years. He was President of Nebraska Association of Emergency Managers. He was a Red Cross instructor for surrounding fire depts. Was an EMT. He was a member of the Nebraska State Fire School Committee for 20 yrs., serving 13 yrs. as Chairman and Director. He held all offices of the Nebraska Volunteer Firefighters Association and was President in 1977 and served on the Executive Committee. Was a member of the Nebraska Fire Chiefs Association.  He was the Nebraska Alternate Delegate to the National Volunteer Fire Council 1986-1994. He then became the Nebraska Delegate from 1994-2017 and served in many executive roles of NVFC. He has received numerous awards and honors, to name a few, United States Jaycees Certificate of Merit; Distinguished Leadership and Service Award for the Nebraska Association of County Officials; Outstanding Firemanship award Knights of AK-SAR-BEN; Community Service Award; Congressional Fire Service Institute and E. James Monihan Director Award. He was recognized as an Admiral in Great Navy of the State of Nebraska by Governor J.J. Exon, Governor Kay Orr and Governor Ben Nelson. He was inducted into the Nebraska Firefighters Hall of Fame. He received a 50 yr. Dedicated Service award from the David City Volunteer Fire Dept. and also from the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association. Butler Co Chamber of Commerce Special Service Award. Served as Treasurer of Redeemer Lutheran Church1991-2003. He served on the Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center Board of Directors and was recently honored as President Emeritus on April 15, 2024. He was a member of the Dwight Legion Post #110.

Norman is survived by his children: Chris (Larry) Burbach, Scottsbluff; Deb (Tom) Svoboda, David City; Mike (Denise) Hoeft, North Platte; Linda (Terry) Bartunek, Bruno; Patrick (Jackie) Hoeft, David City; Tim (Lisa) Hoeft, Holdrege; Tom (Kari) Hoeft, Lincoln; 42 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren. His Sister and Brother-in-law Mary and Alan Minchow.   He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Catherine Marie, parents John and Naomi Hoeft, parent-in-laws Henry and Helen Vandenberg, son-in-law Bruce Crook, Sister and brother-in-law Beatrice and George Hotovy, Brother and Sister-in-law Ernest and Sally Vandenberg and Brother and Sister-in-law Fredrick and Joan Vandenberg.