Robert J. Hoeft

Robert J. Hoeft, 74, of Sparta, passed away at his home on Friday, July 4, 2025. He was the first of seven children born to Emil and Roberta (Byrnes) Hoeft on October 21, 1950, in Sparta, where he was raised and graduated from Sparta Senior High School in 1968. 

Robert was known by many as Bob, Beany, or Bags. His working career in Sparta included Jackson Drug, Ray's Supermarket, and a second shift supervisor at Northern Engraving. He also worked for the Northwestern Railroad as a night supervisor in Green Bay, WI. His final occupation was for a military contractor as a track mechanic on military equipment. This took him to many states in the United States before being assigned to a military ship that stationed him in Dubai, India. 

You could often see Bags walking the streets of Sparta or riding his bike, greeting you with a friendly wave. He enjoyed reading all types of books, especially those about rock history, pop culture, and psychological thrillers. He visited the Sparta Free Library often. Throughout his life, Bob loved rock n' roll music; he attended many concerts and collected albums, which he would play only once or twice but keep forever. In his early years, he enjoyed playing golf and shooting pool. You could always find him in local establishments talking with friends, reading the newspaper, and having a Budweiser or, later in life, a Coca-Cola. 

He is survived by his sister, Peggy (Gary) Halverson, and brothers: James (Karen) Hoeft, Thomas Hoeft, Gerald (Kelly) Hoeft, Jeffrey (Donna) Hoeft, John (Kristen) Hoeft, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil John and Roberta Anne (Byrnes) Hoeft. 

To honor Bags and his love of reading, the family will collect memorial contributions to donate to the Sparta Free Library. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. 

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. 

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Shifty's Shack in Sparta. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com 

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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