James E. Hoerner

James E. “Jim” “Jimmy” Hoerner, 80, of Key West, Iowa passed away on August 26, 2018 at home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 30th, 2018 at St. Joseph Church, Key West with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 29th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

James “Jimmy” Hoerner was born in Dubuque, IA on November 15, 1937 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Walter and Gladys (Woodrich) Hoerner.  In his younger years he grew-up on his family farm located off Military Road. He attended a one room school house until 8th grade where he completed his education at Dubuque Senior High School.

He grew up with a love of playing, watching and coaching baseball. In 1954 he and his brother Joe had the honor of playing on the only state championship baseball team Dubuque Senior High School has ever won. One of his fondest memories was playing in tournaments catching for his brother Joe while his brother Bob played centerfield. Jim ‘Star’ Hoerner was known as a fierce competitor and in 1959 he was awarded the MVP of the Worthington Baseball tournament and in 1992 was humbled to be inducted into the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame.

In 1955 he met the love of his life, Sally Decker, at a euchre tournament at the 12 Mile House. They dated and in 1958 they married. Throughout the early years of marriage, Jimmy continued his love for baseball playing semi-pro. He was invited to catch at the White Sox training camp in Florida. Upon being injured, he returned home to be with Sally, raise his children and in 1964 moved to Key West, Iowa which became the family home.

Jim worked Dubuque Packing Company in Dubuque, for 43 years, 12 years with the City of Dubuque & Moracco Supper Club. He was a member of the Elk’s Lodge, Holy Name Society, and Baseball Hall of Fame.

Friends and family were extremely important to Jim. Jimmy and Sally created a welcoming environment for all to gather around their kitchen table for endless conversation. For many years they enjoyed going on trips with friends from Happy’s Place and for 50 years played in a couple's card club. Jim took great pleasure supporting his children and grandchildren in their numerous activities throughout life. To some, Jimmy appeared rough around the edges, but beneath that exterior he had a heart of gold. He was kind father, loyal friend and incredibly hard working. Doing for others brought him genuine happiness. If you asked for his opinion, he would give it to you honestly and unfiltered. He enjoyed talking about politics and economics. He loved to keep himself busy and developed a pleasure in grass cutting, card playing and planning projects big and small.

Jimmy enjoyed simple things in life like traditional food, eating ice cream, wearing a ball cap and blue shirts. As time went on he found satisfaction staying closer to home, celebrating holidays with his family and going out to dinner with his love Sally. His was a straightforward and easy man who was incredibly proud of all of his children and grandchildren. His face would truly light up upon seeing his great-grandchildren. More than any family member or friend, his love and devotion for his wife Sally was never ending and truly unconditional. ‘Jim – n – Sal’ were inseparable. Jimmy will be deeply missed by all he has touched but no one greater than his love for 59 years, Sally.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Hoerner; Children; Mark (Rose), Rick (Sandy), Jayne (J.R.) Disponette of Lexington, KY, Mike of Solon, IA. Grandchildren; Jake (Andrea), Jeff (Robin), Seth (Beth), Michael, Streat, Samantha, Hannah, Sterling & Storm and 7 great-grandchildren. Sister, Ann (Bob) Lambe of Zwingle, IA. Sister-in-law Phyllis Hoerner and Darlene Hoerner-Schmitt (Donnie Schmitt)

He was preceded in death by his parents; Walter and Gladys Hoerner. Siblings and spouses; Bob (Millie) Hoerner, Joe Hoerner, John Hoerner, Betty Smith, Mary (Terry) O’toole, Sally (Jim) Clewell.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the family.

The family wishes to thank the Key West EMT & Fire Department and Father Rodney Allers for their care and compassion.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.