Ryan L. Hoag

Ryan L. Hoag, 63, of Jackson, NE died suddenly of cardiac arrest in Sioux City, IA on Tuesday, July 9, 2013.Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2013 at First Lutheran Church in South Sioux City, NE, with Rev. Jerry Gilbreath officiating. An Open House will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2013 at Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City.Ryan was born in Fargo, ND on September 15, 1949, the son of John and Betty (Petersen) Hoag. He graduated from Arthur High School in Arthur, ND in 1967. He attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND, and received his Associates Degree in Computer Science. Ryan married Cathie Bishop at First Presbyterian Church in Fargo, ND on August 22, 1969. He served in the Army at the Fort Lewis, WA base from 1969-1971. He then attended NDSU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a concentration in Economics before working for Blue Cross Blue Shield as a computer programmer. He and his family built a home in North River, ND prior to moving to South Sioux City, NE in 1980. Ryan married Karen (Sakariason) Pitts in Sioux City, IA on September 25, 1993. He worked for IBP/Tyson as a Systems Analyst and Programmer for thirty-two years.Ryan was a Scout Master for twenty-five years. He re-established Boy Scout Troop #149 where he guided hundreds of young men through Scouting, including 12 who achieved their Eagle Scout rank. He was also active in Wood Badge which is a Scout leadership and training organization. He was a member of the Optimist Club, served on the Dolphin's Swim Board, was President of the Siouxland Ski Club and served in various ways within First Lutheran Church, including Choir, Church Council, Sunday School teacher and more.He loved being on the water and outdoors boating, fishing, hunting, grilling, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren and extended family. Ryan had a wide grin and distinctive belly laugh. He was chief cheerleader at hundreds of his children and grandchildren's events and activities. Survivors include his wife, Karen Hoag of Jackson, NE; children, Jonathan (Laura) Hoag of Whitehouse, OH and Aimee (Dave) Sutherland of Maumee, OH; step-children, Karisa (Joel) Foix of Sioux City, IA, Kelly Pitts of Sioux City, IA, Nathan Pitts and his fianc, Missy Nicks of LeMars, IA; grandchildren, Joseph Roman, Lindsay Roman, Riley Foix, Chase Foix, Gabriella Hoag, Jason Hoag, Eric Sutherland, Zach Sutherland, Mark Sutherland, John Sutherland, Stella VonderLieth, Nathan Pitts, Jr.; brothers, Myron (Patty) Hoag of Arthur, ND and Clay (Linda) Hoag of Bismarck, ND; sister, Laurel (Eddie) McPherson of Erie, ND; and many nieces and nephews.Ryan was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Hoag.In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Diabetes Association, First Lutheran Church or Boy Scout Troop 149 High Adventure Scholarship Fund.