Stephen James Hoag, 68, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 26, 1946, in Austin, Minnesota, to Samuel and Dorothy (Dunlap) Hoag. A lifelong Austin resident, Stephen graduated from Austin High School in 1964. During his high school years, he worked at the Austin Country Club because of his love for golf. He served his country in the U.S. Army as a machine gunner in the Vietnam War, and received a Purple Heart. While on leave from the service, Stephen married Linda Christopherson on May 20, 1967, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. After he was honorably discharged from the service, he was employed by Golden Dairy, and later worked as a Parts Manager at Syverson Truck Center in Rochester for many years. Stephen was an avid golfer, receiving many awards for his achievements. He loved fishing, especially with his buddies on opening weekend and hunting with his friends and family. In earlier years, he enjoyed playing basketball at the Shaw Gym. Later in life, he especially liked going for car rides with his family in the country.

Stephen is survived by his wife Linda Hoag of Austin; his daughters: Christyn (Brandon) McFarland and Chelsea (Brandon) Smith, both of Austin; five grandchildren: Dylan, Jayden, Blake, Rylan, and Loren; two brothers: Samuel (Nadine) Hoag of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Tim (Susie) Hoag of Austin; his sister Sheila (David) Donahue of Brownsdale, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Dorothy Hoag; and two brothers Gerry and Patrick Hoag.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Pastor Elizabeth Endicott officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2015, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery with military rites by V.F.W. Post 1216. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hoag Family. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.