Obituary of Jens F. Hoeg

Jens Hoeg – Denmark’s finest 1935-2024 Jens Hoeg, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, at the age of 89. Born in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1935, Jens spent his early years working as an apprenticeship broker. He bicycled around the city harbor, coordinating with ship captains to manage their cargo operations. He also assisted his father, Richard Hoeg, an accomplished accordion virtuoso, by traveling the Danish countryside with him to help organize and promote concerts, often journeying by bicycle or a wood-fired truck during the war years. At 20, Jens was drafted into the Danish Army for 18 months. Despite the Army's limited resources, he trained with British, Belgian, and Dutch soldiers on an abandoned German base in the Black Forest. In 1957, Jens embarked on an adventure to the USA with his friend Ove. Their journey began with a steamship from Aarhus to NYC, followed by a bus to Nebraska where his uncle lent them a Jeep. For five months, they explored the American Southwest, experiencing the kindness, curiosity, and generosity of strangers. The natural beauty and welcoming spirit of the people they encountered left a lasting impression on Jens, eventually leading him to settle in East Aurora, where he lived for over 50 years. Jens met his future wife, Rosalind, at a Danish Folk school in Askov, Denmark, where she studied abroad. After she returned home, Jens proposed to her via USPS, and they were married in East Aurora in 1959. They moved to London, Ontario, where Jens attended the University of Western Ontario, earning a master’s degree in business. In 1964, Jens joined Fisher-Price Toys as a management trainee. Over 26 years, he held various roles, ultimately becoming the purchasing director. He traveled extensively for Fisher Price, and in 1972, moved his family to England for three years while he established the company's European division of sales and manufacturing. Jens cherished his time at Fisher-Price, valuing his friendships and the company's motto, “Our work is child's play.” After retiring, Jens continued to travel and stay active. He enjoyed walks at Knox Farm, and with Rosalind, sponsored 41 maple trees to enhance the park's natural beauty. Jens lived by the philosophy, “Smile at the world and the world will smile back,” spreading kindness and love throughout his life. Jens is survived by his children, Jens C. (Erin) Hoeg and Rolf E. (Dawne) Hoeg, daughter-in-law Kira Hoeg, his loving sister Ellen Frandsen, and his grandchildren, Lars and Gwen Hoeg, Tage and Henry Hoeg, and Chloe DiSabatino, Christopher, and Finn Hoeg. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Rosalind (Schutz), his son Michael, and his brother Anders. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Elm Street Bakery, 72 Elm St., East Aurora, NY, on Sunday, August 11, from 2:30-5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his name to The Friends Knox Farm, P.O. Box 601, East Aurora, NY 14052. HOEG, Jens F., passed away on July 24, 2024, beloved husband of the late Rosalind (Schutz) Hoeg, dear father of Jens C. (Erin) Hoeg, Rolf E. (Dawne) Hoeg and the late Michael S. (Kira) Hoeg, loving grandfather of Lars and Gwen Hoeg, Tage and Henry Hoeg, Chole, Christopher and Finn Hoeg. A celebration of life will be held at a later time and place. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The Friends Knox Farm, P.O. Box 601, East Aurora, NY 14052. Arrangements by the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences at www.CANNANFH.com