Darleen Hoover

Darleen Hoover, 90, of Bismarck, died on December 8, 2022, at Baptist Health & Rehab. She passed away peacefully with close friends and family at her side.

A memorial service in her honor will be held at 1:00 P.M, Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Bismarck Baptist Church,  2211 LaForest Ave, Bismarck.  The service will be livestreamed. A live link can be found on the Bismarck Baptist Facebook page or YouTube channel.

All friends and family are welcome to attend an informal gathering for sharing and encouragement at 7:00 pm., Wednesday, Dec. 14^,., at Bismarck Baptist Church.

A private family burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery.

Born on January 6, 1932, in Salem, OR, Darleen was the youngest child of Rev. Gustav and Linda (Schaller) Rutsch. As a ministry family they relocated several times, including a brief stop in Alberta, Canada, before moving to Emery, SD, while Darleen was a young teen. She came to Bismarck to finish high school (BHS class of ’49), and graduated from the Bismarck Hospital School of Nursing in 1952.

Darleen resided in Bismarck for most of her adult life. As a registered nurse she served her community at the Bismarck Hospital (later Med Center One), the last 14 years as Infection Control Director (affectionately known as the ‘bug lady’). She retired in 1992.  She was a committed follower of Jesus Christ and a fixture at Bismarck Baptist Church, where she shared her passion for music as a vocalist, organist, and pianist for more than 50 years. She will be remembered for her musical skill, quick wit, love of her kids and grandkids, and a ceaseless capacity for debate.

Darleen is survived by her sons, Bryan (Holly) Hochhalter of Bismarck, and Greg (Corrine) Hochhalter, of Sherwood Park, AB; nine grandchildren, Adam, Amber, Alan, Alyssa, Tyler, Eric, David, Andrew, and Karis; six great-grandchildren, Holiday, Halo, Cameron, Xavier, Emma, and Torunn; four step-children, Kathy, Kenneth, Laurie, and Daniel; and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Erna and Alvin; husband, Milton Hochhalter; husband, Elmer Hoover; son, Ross; and daughter, Lynnette Macdonald.

The family wishes to express deep appreciation to the staff and residents at Baptist Health and Rehab. For several years, you were her community and cared for her with professionalism and grace.

Memorials may be made to Bismarck Baptist or to Sanford Foundation Class of ’52 Nursing Memorial.