Burton Hoovestol

Burton Hoovestol, 83, died Monday, January 7, 2009. His six-year battle with stomach cancer was fought with humor and a positive attitude-he was the original “Just Do It” guy and ending peacefully at his home near New Salem. Services will be held at 11:00 am CST Saturday at Peace Church, New Salem, with Rev. Joshua Eddy officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm CST Friday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with prayers and sharing of memories held 7:00 pm CST. Burton was born January 27, 1925, to Joseph and Myrtle Harper Hoovestol of Almont. He was baptized and confirmed at Almont Lutheran Church and was a member there until joining Peace Church in New Salem in 1968. He graduated from Almont High School in 1942, attended one semester at NDSU in Fargo in the late 1940s, then returned to Almont and bought his first truck. He married Etheleen Kilen October 16, 1949. They farmed at Almont with his parents until 1955. He started running his first mail route from Bismarck to Linton that year and has since expanded it to a long-haul mail contracting and trucking business, Beco, Inc., that today is based out of New Salem and Denver. In 1956 Burton started farming northeast of New Salem and this remained his passion to the end. Burt was active in community affairs, known for his generosity and willingness to jump in and get the job done. He served on church and school boards, county and state Farm Bureau boards and boards of the North Dakota and National Star Route Mail Contractors Association. Burt and Ethie traveled extensively around the world but Burt’s favorite trip was heading down the highway in the motor home to spend time with family and friends. Burton is survived by his wife, Etheleen; his children, Nancy Lillis of Minneapolis, MN, Calvin Mary Hoovestol of Buda, TX, Wayne Monica Hoovestol of Council Bluffs, IA, Susan David Barbisan of Bozeman, MT, and Lynnae John Weiand of Rosemount, MN; 12 grandchildren, Jared Mason, Carson, Caleb, Connor, Joseph, and Hanna Hoovestol, Nolan, Lee Maren, and Quinn Barbisan, and Benjamin, Evan and Charles Weiand and five great grandchildren; his sister, Iona Jerry Hegel of Bismarck; sisters-in-law, Coralyn Hoovestol of Bismarck, and Darlene Hoovestol of New Salem; and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Burton Hoovestol

January 27, 1925 - January 7, 2009