John Hoyda Jr was born on March 9, 1922, to John Sr. and Clara Etta (Ulmer) Hoyda. John was born on his dad's homestead in a one room sod house north of Stratton. He died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Burlington at the age of 94.John was the middle son of 5 children. John attended the Kechter School through the 10th grade and lived on the family farm throughout his youth.He was married to Ruth May Brown on July 11, 1942, in Goodland, Kan., to that marriage they were blessed with four children. Jeanie May, Reta Lou, Gary Lee and Vickie June. John had a love for baseball from an early age, he played baseball for many years in Kirk. He played positions of pitcher and short stop. He also enjoyed boxing and would spend many hours watching boxing and baseball with his family.John always had a love for farm life, he had a passion for raising livestock and often talked about all the horses he had raised and trained over the years. It was not unusual for John to have a horse saddled for the grandchildren when they came to visit, always ready to offer lessons.John was always willing to help out his family and neighbors, even well into his 80s you could find John horseback, helping move cattle, guarding a gate or simply giving advice.John worked most of his life at all of the local sale barns. Even after he had retired, John and Gary almost never missed a sale. He found the greatest joy in playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. His eyes would light up anytime they came around. John enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their many sporting events and school programs.John was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, wife Ruth, and 2 great-grandchildren.He is survived by his children Jeanie (Willard) Stahlecker of Bethune, Reta (Dalwon) Schaal of Burlington, Gary Hoyda of Stratton, Vickie (Dean) Fisher, Tescott, Kan., 11 grandchildren-Roger Stahlecker, Deanna Stahlecker, Catina Gettinger, Dallas Schaal, Eric Hoyda, Shannon Koepke, Christy Hoyda, Cory Hoyda, Brandi Williford, Leslie Davis and Rachel Ehlers, 21 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren as well as other family and many friends.The family of John Hoyda Jr. will be holding an informal community and family gathering and would like for you to join them on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stratton Park, Stratton, for a Moment of Remembrance potluck. Please bring your favorite stories, dish and chair. Help them celebrate John's 94 years.Memorial contributions may be made to the John Hoyda Jr. Memorial Fund and sent to, or dropped off at, The Bank of Burlington, 410 14th St., P.O. Box 429, Burlington, CO 80807.Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of Brown Funeral Homes in Burlington.Friends may go online and leave a message of condolence at www.brownfuneraldirectors.com.