Lyle Richard Hojem

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Longtime Chehalis resident Lyle Richard Hojem, 92, died Friday, April 22, 2016, at the family home. He was born in 1923, in Minot, N.D., to Gustav and Frederika Hojem. The family moved west and Lyle spent his elementary school years on Fords Prairie, Lewis County.  In the mid-30s, the family moved to Olympia, where he continued his education.

Lyle married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Lyne in 1946 and moved to Chehalis.  For two years, they made their home on the second floor of the old fire hall.  Eventually, they built a house and moved to Newaukum Hill, where they raised two sons.

His first retirement came in 1964, after 22 years with the Department of Natural Resources. He spent the next 11 years as the general lands manager of Agnew Lumber Company. Lyle's second retirement came in 1975, after which he created his own consulting business which he operated until 1986, when he retired again. He enjoyed the next 11 years traveling with his wife. After Beverly’s passing in 2001, Lyle went to work for Lewis County in various capacities. In 2002, he transitioned to the position of project manager for the Port of Centralia. It’s safe to say that Lyle’s final retirement didn’t come until his passing.

In addition to his various careers, Lyle represented Lewis County on the Chehalis Basin Partnership. He served for 40 years on the Lewis County Planning Commission. Lyle helped to create Lewis County Fire District 5 and served as a commissioner for over 50 years.

He was a charter member of the Sons of Norway Skjonndal Lodge, a 50+ year member of the Newaukum Grange and the Elks Lodge.

Lyle enjoyed tinkering in his shop.  He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; granddaughter, Jamie; and brothers, Dale and Glenn.

He is survived by his sons, Ross (Nancy) Hojem of Chehalis and  Kent (Carolyn) Hojem of Puyallup; three grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and sister, Ardis Dennis of Hawaii.

A celebration of life will be held May 7, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., at Bethel Church.  

The family requests that memorial donations in Lyle’s name be made to the Hub City Mission, 416 N. Tower Ave., Centralia WA 98531 or the Lewis County Food Bank, 2901 Sawall Ave., Centralia WA 98531.