Click HERE to view Floyd's Life Tribute Video.

Proud American and World War II veteran Floyd J. Hoch, age 90, has joined his wife Lucile C. Hoch within the embrace of the Heavenly Father. This reunion occurred December 22, 2011 as he slipped peacefully from this earth. One of quips often used between the two of them was "Well, it took you long enough to get here…" She most likely is chiding him now.

Floyd was born February 27, 1921 to Joseph and Gertrude (Frank) Hoch in Beaver Dam, the fourth of the family's five children. He was an avid baseball player, and was sought after by several minor league teams. As with many others, WWII interrupted his plans and on July 14, 1942 Floyd began boot camp in Battle Creek, Michigan. For three years and seven months he honorably served as a seaman for the Coast Guard, much of the time on the frigate USS Long Beach. The USS Long Beach took part in the invasion of Aitape, and later had patrol, shore, and bombardment duty during clean-up operations against Japanese holdouts in the Biak area. The ship also participated in the Morotai and Leyte Operations. In total the USS Long Beach served in five major campaigns entitling Floyd to wear the American Theatre Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct, and Victory Medals.

In 1944, Floyd had the unique experience of celebrating Christmas Day twice, as the USS Long Beach crossed the International Date Line on December 25 and the calendar moved back one day to December 24.

On May 25, 1946 Floyd married Lucile C. Czajka. Many times throughout their 63 year marriage Floyd would comment that he could not believe she waited for him all those years while he served his country. They settled peacefully on S. Lincoln Avenue in Beaver Dam where they raised two sons. Floyd was employed with Monarch Range for over 43 years while Lucile maintained their home. They were faithful members of St. Peter's Parish and ultimately of St. Katharine Drexel's. "F.J." as he was known, was the honorary crew chief of his son John's modified and sprint race cars, and helped him win two season championships.

Floyd will be deeply missed by son John, his wife Lynnette and their daughters Cassandra and Francesca, and by son Steven, his wife Darcy and their children Stephanie, Angela, and Colin. Additional survivors include siblings Evelyn Napralla and Harold (Carol Mae) Hoch both of Beaver Dam, brother-in-law John Czajka , sister-in-laws Mary Czajka, Stella (Sally)Machkovech, and Wanda Ferron all of Beaver Dam, and Harriet Wierichs of Appleton. He is also survived by Godchildren Jan Bilgri and James Ferron, Beaver Dam, and Maria Wierichs, Appleton.

Floyd was preceded in death by his loving wife Lucile on January 1, 2010, his sister Viola, and his brother Arnold Hoch.

Visitation for Floyd will be on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until NOON at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 511 S. Spring St. in Beaver Dam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church on Wednesday at NOON. Burial will take place at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery and a luncheon will follow at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremations Services, 135 Keller Blvd. in Beaver Dam.

The family would like to thank the staff at Prairie Ridge for the excellent care Floyd received the last months of his life. The family also thanks the staff at Beaver Dam Hospital for all their help throughout the last days of his life.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.

Click HERE to view Floyd's Life Tribute Video.