Eric D. Hoiland

HOFF FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, RUSHFORD 507-864-7771 RUSHFORD, MINN. - Eric D. Hoiland, 43, of Rushford, Minn. died on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn. Eric was born on January 30, 1969, in Winona, Minn. to Stanley and Elizabeth (Semmen) Hoiland. Eric was raised in Rushford and graduated from Rushford High School in 1987. While in high school, Eric was active in FFA, football and wrestling. He received his Associates Degree from the University of Minnesota - Waseca, his Bachelors Degree in Agriculture from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, and his Masters Degree in Agronomy from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. After graduating from Iowa State, Eric stayed there to do a work study research project in agronomy studies. He then moved back home to Rushford where Eric farmed with his brother, Phillip. He also started his own turkey farming business, known as Hoiland Mill Turkeys. In addition, Eric farmed cattle and pumpkins. As a result of the 2007 flood in Rushford, Eric's farm was destroyed. Rather than giving up, Eric looked at that as an opportunity to fulfill his life-long dream of renovating the Hoiland Mill. After two years of renovation efforts, the mill became the Feed Room Café in 2010. In his spare time Eric enjoyed downhill skiing, local politics, spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and was also a JV wrestling coach at Rushford-Peterson Schools. Eric was a member of Rushford Lutheran Church where he had previously taught Sunday School. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Hoiland of Rushford; siblings: Phillip (Mary) Hoiland of Rushford, Susan (Dale) Peterson of Rochester, Barbara (Bill) Furry of Lino Lakes, Penny (Donny) Redalen of Fountain, Holly (David) Schueler of Columbus and Alison (Ted) Kjos of Rushford; six nephews, three nieces and seven great-nieces and nephews. Eric was preceded in death by his father. There will be a funeral service for Eric at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February, 22, at Rushford Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove City Cemetery in Rushford. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Hoiland Mill, 301 West Winona Street in Rushford, and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Leave a memory of Eric, sign his online guestbook and view his tribute video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/284887