Rolland W. “Rol” Hoover, 86, of Peoria, passed away at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2012, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. Private services will be held, with the Rev. Michael P. DeTrempe officiating. Interment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Rolland was born in Minonk on August 6, 1926, the son of Leonard and Georgia (Peltz) Hoover. They preceded him in death, along with two sisters, Henrietta and Alice. He married Alene “Sue” (Magnuson) on October 11, 1952 in Peoria. She survives. He is also survived by his sons, Roger (Pam) Hoover of Peoria, David (Keeley) Hoover of Trivoli and Douglas Hoover of Newport Coast, CA; grandchildren, Ryan and Jedediah Hoover of Peoria, Jesse Hoover of Trivoli, Jarrod Hoover of Rockville, MD and Matt and Brandon Hoover of Newport Coast. Rolland graduated from Manual High School in Peoria in 1944. After graduation, he was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran, serving as an electrician aboard the Destroyer USS Wantuck APD 125. He earned the American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. He was employed for thirty-three years with Illinois Bell Telephone Co. He worked in various positions, retiring in 1988 as a cable repairman. After his retirement, he was employed for eleven years for various Peoria Park District golf courses. Rolland attended Memorial Christian Church, Elks Club #20 and AMVETS Post #64, all in Peoria. In retirement, he and Sue enjoyed spending their winters playing golf in New Braunfels, TX. He also enjoyed working in the yard and, in later years, walking his cat, Sammy, around the block every morning. Memorial contributions may be made in Rol’s memory to the St. Jude Research Hospital or Illinois CancerCare in Peoria. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria.
| Bob Carruthers |
Woodrow Wilson teacher/coach |
August 13, 2012 |
Mrs. Hoover, Roger,Dave, and Doug,
I am saddened to learn of the passing of your husband/father!
Your family was a sincere pleasure to work with - way back in our Woodrow Wilson days together . . .which are fond memories of mine. Mom and Dad were great parents and supporters, and you 3 guys were great as students and athletes.
I am sincerely sorry about your loss!
Respectfully and fondly, Bob Carruthers
| Lynn (Smith) Scalf |
So Sorry - from Canton, Illinois |
August 13, 2012 |
I am so sorry for your loss. My grandmother was Henrietta. I remember when Great Aunt Alice passed away. I was a little girl. I believe the family lived in Spring Bay at the time. A couple of months ago, I asked my dad (Chuck Smith) about how Rolland was doing...I'm very very sorry for your loss...
| Dan Smith |
Aunt Alene |
August 12, 2012 |
Dear Aunt Alene,
It's been many, many years since last seeing you and Uncle Rol. You probably don't remember me, but I'm the son of Henrietta Smith, Rolland's older sister. My mother loved to talk about Uncle Rol and you and the two of you were the most gracious people we knew. Me being the 11th of 12 children and the 8th of 9 boys getting any individual attention certainly wasn't easy. But both of you always made us little ones feel like we were loved and important. I will never forget that feeling. My mother (Henrietta) was and always will be my hero and her brother Rol and wife Aunt Alene will always have a special place in the Smith family hearts. The world has lost a real Hero and our Lord has won a beautiful ANGEL.
Peace be with you.....With all of our love.
Dan Smith,
On behalf of Sister Diane and brothers Wally, Mike, Dick, Johnny and Chuck
| Sue Hoover |
Memories for Roland |
August 12, 2012 |
Dear Sue & Family,
A friend is that special someone who always understands, who laughs with you, cries with you and sledom makes demands.
A friend is one who fills your life with companionship and love,
A friend is someone special-- a gift from God above.
My heart goes out to you Sue.
Love & Sympathy,
Rosie Refer
