Donald Scott Hoegh, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026.
He was born to Donald and Olga Mae (Scotty) Hoegh on October 5, 1940. Don was raised in Rushford, Minn., and was deeply rooted in the community he loved throughout his life. He shared a remarkable love story with his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Barbara (Heiden) Hoegh. Together they built a marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and partnership for 66 wonderful years.
Donald attended the University of Minnesota, where he studied agriculture before returning home to build a life on a beautiful farm along the Root River approximately four miles from Rushford. Much of his life was centered around farming and family. He spent many years as a dedicated dairy and beef cattle farmer, taking great pride in his work and the land he cared for deeply. Don was also extremely proud of his service in the Army Reserve.
He was an amazing father to Heidi Koeller (Onalaska) and Scott Hoegh (Winona) and a beloved father-in-law to Jamie Smith-Hoegh (Winona). Don’s greatest joy was his family, including his grandchildren: Brent (Samantha) Koeller (La Crescent), Danny (Noel) Koeller, (Ontario, Wis.), Ashley (Reid) Smithe (Palatine, Ill.), Abbey Hoegh (Mankato), Parker Hoegh (Carlsbad, Calif.), and Jennifer (Andrew) Franco (Hastings); along with 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense pride and happiness to his life.
In his younger years, Don was an active student athlete at Rushford High School. He was always very proud of accomplishments on the football field where he lettered for the Trojans for five years. In addition, he was a captain and helped lead his team to an almost perfect Senior football season in 1957. For the rest of his life, he could tell vivid stories from back in his playing days.
Don remained passionate about sports his whole life, especially football. He thoroughly enjoyed watching the Rushford-Peterson high school athletic teams and cheering on the Minnesota Gophers football and basketball teams. However, his greatest love in the sporting world was of course the Green Bay Packers and anyone who knew Don would agree 100%. Through good times and bad, he was an unwavering fan.
Don never met a stranger. Known as a gifted storyteller, he had a unique ability to connect with anyone he met and always seemed to find common ground in conversation. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others left lasting impressions on countless people.
In his free time, Don enjoyed traveling, watching TV shows and movies, studying history and genealogy, listening to classic country music, and spending time with family and friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margo Holz and her husband Richard Holz, brother John (Jackie) Hoegh, and Barbara’s parents Wilton and Minerva Heiden.
Donald Hoegh will be remembered for his kindness, strong work ethic, unconditional love for his family, and the stories and laughter he shared so generously. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m., Monday, May 18, 2026, at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – Rushford. Don will be laid to rest in a private family service with Military Honors at Rushford Lutheran Cemetery.
Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements.
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