John Hoover

John Charles Hoover, 76, of Custer, S.D., passed away peacefully April 25, 2026, at Custer Care and Rehab due to complications from advanced dementia.
John was born April 6, 1950, in Pierre, S.D., to Charles and Helen Jean (Small) Hoover. He grew up on the Hoover Bros family farm near Onida, S.D., alongside his older sister, Jane, and neighbors Russell and Marcella Hoover and their three daughters. Those early years shaped his strong work ethic and deep love for family.
John was a standout multi-sport athlete at Onida High School, highlighted by an undefeated and unscored-upon senior 1967 football season. He went on to attend Northern State University, where he earned his degree while continuing his stellar football career.
In August 1977 John married the love of his life, Mary (Junkman). Together, they built a life centered on family and welcomed two sons, Jordan and Lucas.
John devoted his life to education and coaching, leaving a lasting impact on countless young people. He began his career in Selby, S.D., and Wagner, S.D., before settling in Pierre, where he spent 22 years at T.F. Riggs High School. He served as Close Up coordinator, and was influential in starting intramural sports.  
“Coach Hoover” was a respected and esteemed figure during his coaching career with many successful football and track teams. John proudly served as a founding member of the Pierre Athletic Coaching Association and played a key role in establishing the Pierre Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997; he was later honored as an inductee in 2012.
John had a deep love for the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and golfing. After moving to Custer            he often could be found on the golf course, sometimes playing 27 to 36 holes in a single day. His collection of secondhand golf balls was something of local legend.
He was known for his quick wit and great sense of humor, as well as his unwavering loyalty to his favorite teams, the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins.
A talented handyman, John enjoyed tackling home projects and took pride in the work he and Mary put into finishing their beautiful home in Custer—often with his signature “measure once, cut twice” approach.
Above all, John was a devoted husband and an amazing father. 
John is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary; son, Jordan (Nicole) Hoover of Bozeman, Mont., and their children Leighton, Hart, Grant and Dean; son, Lucas Hoover (Amber Henderson) of Aberdeen, S.D., and their children Maria, Terry Jo and Lumi.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Jane Mack.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A prayer service will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (449 Harney St, Custer) Sunday, May 3 at 7 p.m.  The funeral service, followed by lunch, will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Monday, May 4, at 10:30 a.m. A private burial will be held at a later time.
The family kindly requests that memorials be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association at donorser
vices.alz.org
Arrangements  have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.