William "Duke" Hobbs

William “Duke” Hobbs

1946 - 2022

A funeral Mass for William L. “Duke” Hobbs, 75 of O’Neill, formerly of Ewing, was Monday Jan. 31, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Ewing. Burial followed in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Ewing.

Duke died Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at his home.

Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.

Arrangements were entrusted to Biglin’s Mortuary of O’Neill.

~~~

William Lee “Duke” Hobbs was born Feb. 10, 1946, to William A. and Arlene (Schiffbauer) Hobbs in Ewing. Duke attended Ewing High School and graduated in 1964. As a child, he enjoyed playing marbles and helping his mother with tasks. Duke was a talented athlete, he loved playing football and baseball. At one time, he was known as the ‘Fastest Man in Holt County.’ Being in and on the water was a great joy for Duke as well, whether it be fishing or forming human pyramids while water skiing with his buddies.

Duke met and later married Molly Beth Johnson on Oct. 31, 1965. The couple was blessed with four children: Holly Jean, Charles William, Emily Jane and Julie Anna. Duke and Molly raised their children just outside of Ewing. There, he continued the family tradition of being a hard-working cattleman.

Duke had a passion for horse racing, a passion that took him all over the country. He won Iowa Breeder of the Year multiple times and also a Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association national award, honoring the achievements of thoroughbred owners and breeders. Even through his many achievements, he was most satisfied watching his horses graze at his ranch.

Duke received his pilot’s license in 1968 and had an immense passion for flying. The peace and the freedom that went along with being alone in the sky, brought Duke happiness. He built and maintained many friendships at the O’Neill airport and passed on his passion for flying to his son and son-in-law.

Duke was a quiet man who never wanted attention from his generous philanthropy, he was just drawn to help where he could. In his later years, Duke and Molly enjoyed traveling, spending time with grandchildren and attending ball games. Duke was a loving father and patient grandfather. He leaves a legacy of faith, hard work, dedication and generosity.

Duke is survived by his bride of 56 years, Molly Beth (Johnson) Hobbs of O’Neill; along with their four children and families, Holly Boeka of Birmingham, Alabama, and her children, Forrest, Gunnar, August and great-granddaughter, Natalie; Charles Hobbs of O’Neill and his children, Tate and Caleb; Emily (Allen) Hagaman of Delray Beach, Florida and their children, Frank and Frederick; and Julie (Kevin) Barlow of O’Neill and their children, Charles, Samuel, Annabelle, Benjamin and Isaac; one brother, James (Kristen) Hobbs of Spearfish, South Dakota; six sisters, Patricia (Joe) Brion of Omaha, Jeanne Fry of Norfolk, Teena (John) Moser of Clearwater, Becky (Dan) Koenig of Ewing, Teresa (Randy) Hawk of Gretna and Germaine (Todd) Bollwitt of Ewing; sister-in-law, Sara Ahlmann of Norfolk and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents, William A. and Arlene Hobbs; step-mother, Judith Hobbs; sister, Sharon Steskal; brothers-in-law, Ron Brion, Jack Fry and Harold Ahlmann.