Ralph Hoag

Born in Iron Mountain on Nov. 21, 1938, to the late George Hoag and Lucy (Tramatin) Hoag. Ralph was the youngest of seven children, his siblings were Alice, Jean, Kay, George Jr. (Bud), Raymond, and Barb. All have passed except for Barb Hoag LeFebvre.

Ralph graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1958. He joined the U.S. Army in 1960 and was stationed in Germany as a mail clerk and medic in the 428th Medical company until 1963 when he was honorably discharged.

He then continued his studies at Minnesota University studying medical technology, graduating in 1964. Ralph’s next move was to Green Bay to finalize his studies toward becoming a laboratory technician and also worked at St. Vincent Hospital.

Ralph then moved back to Iron Mountain and started his 31 year career as a laboratory technician at the V.A. Hospital in Iron Mountain, retiring in 1996 at 58 years of age.

During his time in Green Bay, Ralph met his future wife Sandra Carr Kruger and they were married on Feb. 25, 1967. Together they raised their blended family of four children. Sandra preceded Ralph two and a half years ago after a hard fought battle with cancer.

He leaves behind his four children. Michelle Hoag Mehlhorn (Tyler Ostrenga) of Green Bay, Tara Hoag Barber (Ron Barber) of Tampa Bay, Fla., Donna Kruger Skarzynski (Mark Skarzynski) of Mountain, Wis., David Kruger (Audra Synol Kruger) of Shawano, Wis.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews and his beloved cat Binker.

Ralph enjoyed spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, gardening, bingo, casino, traveling and the TV series, “The Curse of Oak Island.”

After retirement, Ralph and Sandy were snowbirds, enjoying one winter in Albuquerque, N.M. and then many more in Panama City Beach, Fla. They loved spending time with their snowbird friends, dining out, going to the VFW and saltwater fishing. They were proud Packer fans and tremendously enjoyed going to Ralph’s Iron Mountain class lunches.

Ralph will be greatly missed by family and friends. Upon Ralph’s wishes, there will be no services.