Shelby A. “Flipper” Hoeke, 33, of Watertown, SD, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Brandon, SD.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2012, at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown.  Rev. Stephen Lauricella will officiate.  Music will be provided by Marcia Jelsma as organist. 

Burial will be held at a later date.  Honorary pallbearers will be all of Shelby’s racing friends and family.  Active pallbearers will be Frank Krause, Lynn Engels, Ryan Engels, Frank Spiegel, Kevin Stock and Ron Anderson.

Visitation will be at Crawford Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Friday.

Shelby was born January 20, 1979, at Watertown, SD, to Timothy and Louise (Pletten) Hoeke.  He graduated from Watertown High School in 1997 and attended UND.  Shelby was married to Sheila Roberts until 2011. He lived in Watertown and worked for Frank Krause Construction and later for various auto parts stores.  Shelby recently worked at Auto Zone in Sioux Falls, SD. 

He enjoyed riding motorcycle and living at the race track during the summer.  He also enjoyed eating at McDonalds, bowling, and playing baseball and football, especially as a Watertown ARROW.  He was an avid Miami Dolphins fan.  Shelby’s determination with his “flipper” would always rise to any challenge and he made friends with everyone.  He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Shelby is survived by his parents, of Watertown; four brothers: Michael (Hillary) of Brandon, Kyle (Jenna) of Bruce, Travis of Seattle, WA, and Lance of Watertown; his paternal grandmother, Yvonne Hoeke, of Sierra Vista, AZ; his maternal grandparents, Jim (Charlotte) Ritz, of Watertown; and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Leslie Hoeke; one nephew, Coy; and one uncle, Terry Pletten.