Neal Hoyt, age 82, of rural Scranton, IA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Scranton United Methodist Church with Rev. Kevin Evers officiating. Music for the service will be provided by Karen Murphy, Cheryl Nailor, and Sharlett Patterson. Casket bearers will be Roger Miller, Jerry Sindt, Glen Christensen, George Hedges, Larry Runksmeier, Roger Hoyt, Andrew Hoyt, and Scott Busch. Honorary casket bearers will be Kris Jouanne, Jay Huntley, Dale Hoyt, Don Egan, Steve Fey, Bob Busch, and Jerry Hilton. Burial will be in the Scranton Township Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the Scranton United Methodist Church from 5 – 7 P.M. on Friday. Additional visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 – 10:15 A.M. on Saturday prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sweet Treats (Scranton Food Pantry) or the Scranton Community Center.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwodhouse.com
Howard Neal Hoyt was born on October 9, 1943 on his family’s farm southwest of Scranton. He always went by his middle name Neal. He was the son of William and Florence (Gotter) Hoyt. Neal built a life rooted in service, education, and a deep love for the land. Neal graduated from Buena Vista College, where he met his future wife Caroline, and Northeast Missouri State. He began his career in education as a history teacher at Boone Valley in Renwick before becoming a guidance counselor at Scranton High School and later Jefferson‑Scranton. He shaped the lives of countless students with his steady guidance and genuine care. A farmer at heart, he eventually retired from the school and then Ace Hardware so he could farm full‑time, and when he later stepped back from farming, he “took it easy” by helping his brother Dale on the farm. His commitment to community ran deep, serving on the Elevator Board, the Scranton Cemetery Board as a trustee, the Pioneer Cemetery Board, the Scranton Jaycees, Genesis Development, and the Scranton Betterment Committee. He and Caroline shared many adventures during her years with Fun Travel, joining countless bus trips—often appearing together as Mr. and Mrs. Santa. He cherished the ten winters they spent in Mesa, Arizona, and took great pride in winning a ladder golf title during their time there. His life was marked by service, humor, and a heartfelt devotion to family, community, and the simple joys that made each day meaningful.
Neal is survived by his wife of 61 years Caroline Hoyt of Scranton, IA; children: Kendra Hoing (Jeff) of Lansing, KS, Kevin Hoyt (Diane) of Grinnell, IA, and Katina Westemeier (Mike) of Maplewood, MN; grandchildren: Jaci Hoing, Jenna Hoing, Cole Hoing (Sarah), Alexa Miller (Jeff), William Patterson (Sharlett), Madison Hoyt, Stephanie Bullington (Andrew), Emily Westemeier Rice (Joe), Sara Westemeier, Mark Westemeier, and Molly Westemeier; one great-grandson Dean Hoing; sister Gaye Barr; brother Dale Hoyt (Linda); brothers-in-law Bob Busch (Diane), and Ron Carroll; sister-in-law Nancy Busch; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Neal was preceded in death by his parents William and Florence Hoyt; two brothers: Glen Hoyt (Beverly) and Ralph Hoyt (Shirley); three sisters: Arlene Carroll, Millie Said (Cliff), and Clara Haack (Jack); and two brothers-in-law Larry Barr and Tom Busch.
