Robert Dale Hoag
August 9, 1934 - November 14, 2013
Obituary
Robert Dale Hoag, M.D.
Beloved husband and loving father, Dr. Robert Dale Hoag passed peacefully from life on earth to heaven on November 14, 2013, while surrounded by his family.
Dr. Hoag was born August 9, 1934 in Saginaw, Michigan to Dale and Lois Hoag. He is survived by his college/high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann Ruthig, after 57 years of marriage, along with three sons, Randall (Rousena), John (Della), David (Stephanie), 8 cherished grandchildren, and his doting angel-dog, Sadie. He is preceded by, but now joyfully reunited with, his son Garrett, daughter Leslie Hoag-Christensen (Todd), and brother, Paul.
Dr. Hoag served a distinguished medical career in Pathology. Told by a high school teacher (Saginaw H.S., ’52) that he was not college material, he proceeded to graduate in just three years from Alma College (B.S., 1956) and then received his degree in medicine from the University of Michigan (1959). He interned at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle (1959-60) and completed residency at the University of Michigan (1960-64). He served our nation as Lieutenant-Commander at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Dr. Hoag began private practice at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia and later served hospitals throughout the Seattle, Washington vicinity and Alaska with the Puget Sound Institute of Pathology (1970 -1998), including as managing partner. He was the founding pathologist for St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, Washington.
Bob enjoyed many interests, always with his family, including mountaineering, sailing, coaching and refereeing soccer, jogging, fishing, history, traveling and rooting for his alma mater. Despite his accomplishments, he modeled an old-fashioned work ethic of doing his own chores. Even with a penchant to forget punch-lines, he was quick-witted, always with a playful smirk. Bob served his church in many ways, including chairman of the elders. Most importantly, he gave his family a legacy to love the Lord and commit our lives and plans to Him. We want to write much more, but he would not approve, because he was ultimately humble. For these reasons and more, he is loved by everyone who knew him.
A celebration of his life will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 134 South 206th Street in Des Moines on Sunday, November 24th at 1:30 pm with reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name for new lives at Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, PO Box 5371/S-200, Seattle, WA 98145-5005.
So sorry to hear about Uncle Bob. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shirley,
We are so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.
What comfort it is to know that my Uncle Bob died knowing Jesus as his person Savior. His was a life of service. I’m sure all of us nieces and nephews remember a time when he went out of his way to help, whether it was getting us a prescription when we were visiting Seattle or letting us use the cottage. Nothing but great memories of a soft-spoken giant among men.
What a loss to his family and community, but what gain for the Kingdom of Heaven!
I didn’t know Bob personally, but his parents, especially his mother, was a friend to my mother. Lois spoke with great love and pride of Bob. He represented his family beautifully throughout the years.
The obituary message glorified not only Bob but his Lord and Savior Y’shua.
While distance has always separated us, you remain in our hearts. Grandma Millie and her family have always been most welcoming and sincere and we have many fond memories of family reunions. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Sincerely,
Michelle Baltus (Kent’s daughter), husband Kevin, and daughters Rachel and Heidi
My condolences to Roberts family. Bob and I grew up together in Saginaw. I lived across the street from the Hoags on Bewick street. We were playmates all through our early school years. We lost track of each other once we went to college but I’ve always had fond memories of our early youth.
I’m quite pleased to read of Bob’s accomplishments in life and of his fine family. Most importantly I’m happy to know that Bob knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Rest in Peace Bob. Billy
Long good byes are the hardest but they give us the chance to share in ways that we might never have. I know you’ve had hard days as you dealt with Bobs decline but I’m sure you also have cherished memories of time shared. Love and sympathy for your loss.
Frank and Colleen