Bruce C. Hoyer, Jr.

Bruce Charles Hoyer, Jr., 82, of Heidelberg Township, went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 in St. Joseph Medical Center (Reading, PA).

Bruce was predeceased by his cherished first wife, Gloria J. (Bentz) Hoyer in December 1978, and his beloved second wife, Shirley A. (Speicher) Hoyer in April 2009. Bruce is survived by Gloria’s sister, Barbara (Bentz) Smith (GA).

Born in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Bruce C. Hoyer, Sr. and Helen L. (Walters) Hoyer.

Bruce graduated from Reading High School in 1956. He graduated from Kutztown University in 1960 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science and Teaching Certification.

For thirty-seven years Bruce taught seventh grade Biology and Science at Governor Mifflin Middle School.

Bruce was an active member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, serving from April 1961 until September 1987. He entered the Guard as a Medical Technician and later became a commissioned officer, overseeing readiness training with emphasis in small arms. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Bruce was an active member of Christ Little Tulpehocken Church in Bernville. He was a former member of West Wyomissing Chapel and Alsace Lutheran Church in Reading.

Bruce was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent much time working outdoors, especially around the Speicher farm and his Christmas trees. He enjoyed cutting firewood, butchering, and working on vehicles. He also loved travel, photography, and model trains.

Bruce is survived by his children: Sean M. Hoyer (NM), Ryan J. Hoyer and wife Wendy S. Hoyer (PA), and Juleen M. (Hoyer) Chevalier and husband Zachary J. Chevalier (MD). Bruce was delighted to be grandfather to nine grandchildren: First Lieutenant U.S. Marine Corps Pierce M. Hoyer and wife First Lieutenant U.S. Marine Corps Rheba Sheppard-Hoyer (CA), Georgia-Bryn M. Hoyer-Miller and husband Hunter Miller (TX), and Rhett H. Hoyer (NM); Rebecca J., Joshua D., and Rachel A. Hoyer (PA); and Tanen S., Sedera A., and Rendric H. Chevalier (MD). He was thrilled to become great-grandfather to Baby Girl Hoyer-Miller, expected in January.

Bruce is also survived by his faithful long-time companion, Myrtle H. (Spease) Oxenreider and her children, John M., Connie L., and Merlin A. Oxenreider, Stacy M. Derr, Katie A. Esterline, and Myrtle M. Sigman; as well as Myrtle’s thirteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Bruce will be dearly missed.

A viewing will be held on Monday, December 13th from 6-8pm at Kirkhoff Funeral Home, 206 N. Main St., Bernville, PA. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 14th at 11am at Christ Little Tulpehocken Church, 40 Church Rd., Bernville, PA; with viewing prior in the church from 10:30-11am. Burial with military honors will follow the service in the adjoining church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Little Tulpehocken Church at the above address.