Arthur 'Art' Eugene Hoener, 90

Arthur Eugene Hoener, CMfgE, PE, celebrated his 90th birthday in February, surrounded by his many family members and friends. 

Art passed away peacefully Oct. 16, 2025. Born on Feb. 16, 1935, in Spokane, Wash., to Louie and Ethel (Richardson) Hoener. He grew up on the family farm in Elk, Wash., and graduated from Riverside High School in 1953. Art married Bonnie (Jackson) in Spokane on March 18, 1958, and they have five children. While working at Kaiser Mead, he attended Gonzaga University, earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and at the same time, built a house and began raising children. Art served in the U.S. Air National Guard from 1953-1963 as a TSGT for the 116th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. 

Art took a position at Lambs Grays Harbor in Aberdeen, Wash., in 1969. Five years later, he returned to Otis Orchards, Wash., and began working for Kaiser Trentwood Plant and worked for Kaiser for 25 years. It was during this time that he earned his master’s degree in business at Gonzaga. He then took early retirement from Kaiser and began teaching in the Engineering Department at Gonzaga University, from which he retired in 1994. Art retired to Bayview, Idaho, where he was able to engage in his favorite hobby of fishing and lived there until he passed.

Art was a Scout Master with BSA; a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers; and the American Legion, where he spent much of his time and talents. He loved his family, fishing, and camping. Dad was an American by birth, a patriot by choice.

Arthur is survived by his ex-wife and friend Bonnie Hoener, Spokane, Wash.; Jeffery Hoener (Lynn), Kennewick, Wash.; Lenard Hoener (Tracy), Spokane, Wash.; Bernice Hanson (Hans), Anchorage, Alaska; Anna Snell (Bert), Spokane, Wash. He has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one living sibling, Lois McLean, Winthrop, Wash. He was preceded in death by his son, Nathan H. Hoener, and two brothers, Harry and Harold.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: American Legion Post 149, 5525 E. Highway 54, Athol, ID 88301. Please visit Art’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.