Joe “Lefty” Hoyka, 76, of Polk City, Iowa went home on July 1, 2021 to be with his Maker, who walked with him his whole life, keeping him on the straight and narrow.
Lefty was born on March 7, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois. He served with honor in Viet Nam from 1963 to 1966, and all over the world in his 36-year Military career. He was proud of each and every moment he served as a Military Police Officer. Along with the United States Navy and Hospital Unit 23, he was a member of the VVA 490, AANR, Mankato, MN VFW and the 186th MP’s. Lefty also volunteered his time to the Polk City Police Department. After his Military Service, Lefty worked for and retired from Lint Transportation Company in Des Moines.
Survivors include his wife Barbara McFall-Hoyka, adopted son Che Hoyka (Annie), step children Kelly (Keith) Boll, David (Lyn) McFall and Brian McFall. Lefty and Barb shared the joy of 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Also left behind are great friends William, Jeff, Mike and Steve.
A special heartfelt thank you to Brittany, Kim, Stan and the staff at the Marshalltown VA for the excellent care and compassion they showed Lefty through his illness.
The Interment will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter at 11am on July 13, 2021. The Iowa Patriot Guard Riders will assist Lefty on his final mission from the Merle Hay Funeral Home to the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. We will leave the funeral home at 10:15 am. Please join Barb and the family for a luncheon that will follow the Interment at the Van Meter Legion Post 403.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Barbara and will be used to honor Lefty with a memorial at a later date in Polk City.
In Heaven, look up and you’ll see Lefty standing at “Parade Rest” in his best camouflage uniform giving back to God by guarding “St. Peter’s Heavenly Gates.”
