[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 77 (Thursday, May 8, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S2831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING STEVEN HOECKER

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the life and 
legacy of Steven W. Hoecker, who served as the director of the David R. 
Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, WI, for many 
years.
  Steve was a passionate public servant who made a difference in the 
lives of those who were lucky enough to know him. Born in 1949 in 
Parma, OH, Steve was a natural adventurer, seeking every opportunity to 
share the wonder of the outdoors with his loved ones. He spent many 
days with his best friends and siblings, fishing and enjoying our 
Nation's natural resources.
  His love for the outdoors continued to strengthen as time went on. 
Steve was no stranger to rehabilitating birds of prey and raising 
stranded baby animals. He studied wildlife biology at Virginia Tech, 
where he met his beloved wife and adventure partner Elizabeth.
  Steve was also a dedicated father. He and Elizabeth helped raise 38 
children, including their daughter Jenna and 37 foster children. He 
enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors, leaving a lasting impression 
on each child. In his free time, Steve volunteered in the classrooms of 
his wife and daughter and with events like Kid's Fishing Day and 
Fishing Has No Boundaries. He was a proud uncle and grandfather as 
well.
  Steve was instrumental in the establishment of the Northern Great 
Lakes Visitor Center. Before officially becoming the center director in 
1998, he spent 6 years planning for the site while he worked for the 
U.S. Forest Service. He then served as the center director for 12 years 
until he retired in 2010. He understood the intense beauty of the 
region of Wisconsin he called home and dedicated his life to educating 
others on its importance.
  Steve found many more ways to give back to his community, including 
volunteering his time with the Alliance for Sustainability, Habitat for 
Humanity, and many community activities, including Bayfield's Apple 
Festival and Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua. He was tireless in his 
service to others, a true testament to his passion for helping others.
  Through his life's work, Steve Hoecker made an immeasurable impact on 
the State of Wisconsin. He cared deeply about the Great Lakes, the 
Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center, his family, and his community. 
His passing is a great loss to all who knew him and worked alongside 
him, but his legacy and the life he lived will be felt for generations 
to come.

                          ____________________