Steven C. Hoag
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On September 18, 2017 @ 11:53 am In 2017,Obituaries | 2 Comments
Hoag, Steven C.
Age 70 of Shakopee, formerly of Minneapolis and Anoka.
On September 15, 2017 Minnesota lost one of its most honored, premier athletes. Steven C. Hoag passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born April 2, 1947 in Chicago, IL to Harold and Beverly Hoag. He grew up in Anoka where he started his running career in junior high and set school records in several events in high school. During this time, he began his daily training regimen. Rain or shine, he was a familiar figure, running regularly along Coon Rapids Boulevard.
Steve entered the University of Minnesota in 1965 and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1969. This is also where he enjoyed tremendous success in both Cross Country and Track under legendary coach Roy Griak. He was captain of the Cross Country team (‘68) and awarded the first ever Fred O. Watson award in 1967 and 1968. Track accomplishments include being named to the All-American track team in 1968 and Big Ten Track Champion in 1969.
He continued running after college, setting MN State records for 10 mile, 25 K and numerous marathons, including Czechoslovakia, Puerto Rico and London. Steve participated in the 1968 and 1976 Olympic Trials. His greatest achievement in the sport came in 1975 when he placed 2nd in the Boston Marathon with a 2:11:54 time; fourth fastest in the world in 1975.
He taught 6th grade briefly before beginning his 30+ year career as a running shoe specialist, operating Steve Hoag’s Marathon Sports in Minneapolis, one of the Twin Cities’ premier athletic shoe stores. In the 70’s, Steve’s store and influence was considered the “blueprint” for running stores to follow.
He was also involved in starting the St. Paul Marathon which later became the very popular, present day Twin Cities Marathon. He was selected to the MN Track & Field Hall of Fame (2000) and most recently the Anoka High School Hall of Fame (2016). He loved running the trails in Theodore Wirth Park, restoring old cars, motorcycles and wooden boats. Steve enjoyed his cabin life in Western WI and many travel adventures with his wife, Geri of 45 years. His biggest passion perhaps was coaching CC and track at the High school level; most recently at Minnetonka High School for the last 10 years.
Survived by wife, Geri; daughter, Ali (Todd) Kmieciak; grandchildren, Caden and Macy; brother, Jeff (Ann) Hoag; sisters, Cathy (Frank) Waldemar, Barbara (Robert) Gadon. Preceded by father, Harold Hoag; mother, Beverly Hoag; step-mother Marilyn Hoag.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers and staff at University Of Minnesota Hospital and the two angels, Sue Simonet and Ali Kmieciak, for their loving hospice care.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to the Steve Hoag Memorial CC/Track Scholarship Fund.
Service 11AM, October 4, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka MN. Visitation one hour before service.
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Condolences to Geri, Ali, and all of Steve’s family and friends. Steve was an inspiration throughout my running career beginning at Mattawan HS , MI in the 70’s carrying to present day. I had the privilege of having Steve both as a boss and a friend for over 20 years. He was a genuinely caring man always willing to contribute and support the running community. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Geri.
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I want to express my condolences to Geri and Steve’s family. Steve was my boss at Marathon Sports for almost 10 years and was a really positive influence in my life. Steve was a terrific guy who loved the sport of running and did so much to forge the incredible running scene we have here in Minnesota.