TACAMO Fallen Veteran - Leonard Hoel, VQ-3

June 25, 1947 - May 11, 2024

Reported by Bob Hoel, brother to Leonard:

"My brother Senior Chief Leonard Hoel, 76 passed away yesterday May 11 after a apparent accidental fall. Senior Chief Hoel served as the Maintenance chief in VQ-3 in Nas Agana Guam from 1977 - 1980."

Leonard Hoel, age 76 of Richmond, passed away unexpectedly at home on May 11, 2024. He was born in Sanford, Maine on June 25, 1947 to Orville and Catherine (Baron) Hoel and moved to Richmond, Indiana when he was very young. Leonard graduated from Richmond High School, class of 1965. The following year he joined the United States Navy, serving in Vietnam in 1969. He recruited his brother Bob to the Navy in 1976. After his retirement from the military, Leonard worked for the Salvation Army for over 14 years, helping many people along the way. Leonard was known for his love of model trains and animals. He had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His kind and compassionate nature endeared him to all who knew him, and he had a knack for making everyone feel like a friend. Leonard was the best grandpa ever and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory is his brother Robert Hoel; stepdaughters Joan Wolf and Jennifer Oberle; grandchildren Paul Wolf, Blake Oberle, Alex Oberle-Bullock and Hanna Oberle-Bullock; great grandson Carter Hines; friend Rick and his Thursday morning breakfast club and train buddies. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his life partner and soul mate Cheryl Oberle.

Pastor Dennis Wagers will officiate services on Saturday May 18, 2024 at 11:00 am. at Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary, 32 South 11th Street Richmond, IN 47374

Burial with military rites will take place immediately following the service at Earlham Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday May 17, 2024 from 4pm – 7pm at the funeral home.

The TACAMO Community extends its sympathy and prayer for peace to Leonard's family and friends during this time of the passing.