Army Pfc. Bert. E. Hoyer

Died March 10, 2004 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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23, of Ellsworth, Wis.; assigned to the 652nd Engineer Company, Army Reserve, Ellsworth, Wis.; killed March 10 when an improvised explosive device hit his convoy in Baqubah, Iraq.

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Funeral held for soldier from Ellsworth, Wis., killed in Iraq

Associated Press

ELLSWORTH, Wis. — More than 2,000 people filled the Ellsworth High School gymnasium for the funeral of an Army Reservist who graduated from the school in 1999.

The service was held Thursday for Spc. Bert Hoyer, 23, who was killed March 10 when his convoy was struck by an improvised explosive device.

“He is a hero and someone who definitely made our world a better place,” the Rev. John Sutherland told those gathered, including classmates, friends and uniformed military personnel.

Hoyer is the fourth member of his unit, the 652nd Engineer Company, and one of 12 soldiers from Wisconsin to die in Iraq.

Brig. Gen. Michael W. Beasley, commanding general of the 88th Regional Support Command, presented Hoyer’s parents, Larry and Peggy, with four medals their son had earned, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Saying Hoyer gave more than he received and was always there for his family and community, Barry Foy of Ellsworth, a retired staff sergeant with 652nd who served with Hoyer, said the young man’s spirit will remain with all who knew him.