Francis Hoban’s obituary (1946-2021) – North Platte, NE

Francis “Andy” Hoban, 75, of Lewellen, died on August 11, 2021 at Perkins County Hospital in Grant. Andy was born on July 10, 1946 at home in North Platte to William and Lillian Hoban. At the age of 16, he moved from North Platte to Stevenson, Washington, where he graduated from high school. Andy was drafted into the US Army in March 1966 and stationed in Baumholder. He was honorably discharged from his military service in March 1968 and continued to honor our country as a member of the American Legion. Andy attended Clark College in Vancouver, Washington, then switched to his 37-year career as a network technician with the telephone company. He started at Pacific Northwest Bell and eventually retired from Qwest in 2008. While at Pacific Northwest Bell, he met the love of his life, Markieta McClain, and they were married on June 29, 1974 in Clackamas, Oregon. Andy’s greatest adventure began in Spokane, Washington when he was blessed with two children, Heather and Jacob. He became a grandfather in 2005, his most cherished title. Andy enjoyed fishing for salmon on the shoreline, hunting for waterfowl, and camping on Banks Lake with his family. After many years in the Pacific Northwest, Andy returned to Nebraska and settled in Valentine. He continued to work for the telephone company and trained for 15 years with dear friend Kent Lopez Post No. 90 American Legion Baseball. He also served as the commandant of Post No. 90. After retiring in 2008, Andy and his family ran the Big Alkali Fish Camp for six years. He spent many of his days exploring America, from the Red Woods to Niagara Falls, with his RV in tow. His latest adventure took him to Lake McConaughy, where he and Markii shared endless sunsets from their home, “The Roost”. Andy preceded his parents William and Lillian Hoban in death; In-laws, Ray and Juanita McClain; Brothers William “Ron”, Morris “Moe”, Fay and John “Buck” Hoban; Sister Helen Rogers; Sisters-in-law Shirley Hoban and Anna Hoban; and brother-in-law Douglas E. McClain. He leaves his wife Markieta von Lewellen behind; Daughter Heather (Joe) Howard of Lincoln; Son, Jacob (Amber) Hoban of Fairmont; Grandson, Brecken Hoban, Beau and Hazel Howard and Farrah and Lydia Gordon; Sisters Gwen (Billy) Golden of North Platte and Jodi Lee of Pullman, Washington; Brother Terrance “Terry” Hoban from Sidney; Sisters-in-law Patty Hoban, Pat Hoban, and Marolyn Hoban, all from North Platte, Vickie (Sheldon) Bloom from Henderson, Nevada, and Geree (Henry) Diaz from Vancouver, Washington; Brother-in-law Keith Olsen of Belt, Montana; and many other family and friends. Instead of flowers, the American Legion Post No. 90 baseball team proposed in Valentine Monuments. Online condolences can be found at odeanchapel.com. Cremation was chosen. The funeral service with military honors will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell on Friday, September 3, at 2:00 p.m., under the direction of Chaplain Gary Smith. Please come in casual clothes. The Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore takes care of the arrangements.

Published by North Platte Telegraph on August 29, 2021.