We have one shot on this planet to do good for ourselves and those around us – to make this world a better place. Dwane Dale Van Hooser was one of those remarkable individuals who did just that. If you knew him, you know exactly what we mean.

On April 18, 2026 Dwane reunited with Susie. Their love story couldn’t be more like The Notebook, a bond so profound that he couldn’t bear to live without her.

Born on November 28, 1940, in Alton, Illinois, Dwane was the son of Georgie Lee (Mickey) Hutchins Van Hooser and Vernon Dale Van Hooser. He grew up alongside his sister, Rae (Tissy) Koch, in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Dwane earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in forestry from Southern Illinois University (SIU) in the early 1960s. During his studies, he worked summer jobs with the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on timber sales.

He married the love of his life, Susan Ellen Spiller, on March 15, 1964. He said the first time he saw her she said “hi” and that was it!

Following their marriage, Dwane and Susie began their adventures in the South, living first in New Orleans and then throughout the Mid-South. While in New Orleans, Dwane and Susie welcomed their two sons: Ransom Dale (1966) and Kelly Sean (1970).

During his tenure with the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program in New Orleans, Dwane played a pivotal role in guiding the FIA through the early days of automation and computerization of forestry inventory data collection and reporting – an impressive accomplishment.

In 1976, during the Bicentennial Celebration, Dwane accepted a position in Washington, D.C., where they welcomed their daughter, Courtney Blake (1977).

The family moved to Utah in 1978, immediately falling in love with the beauty of the state and the city of Ogden. Dwane dedicated 38 years to the research branch of the U.S. Forest Service, retiring as the manager of the Interior West Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program. Under his leadership, Ogden became one of the most gender and ethnically diverse FIA units in the nation. He also served on three crucial Blue Ribbon Panels with leaders from federal and state agencies, industry, academia, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders to shape a national vision and strategy for forest resource inventories in the United States.

In recognition of their exceptional volunteer service, Dwane and Susan received President George H. W. Bush’s Point of Light Award in 1991. Additionally, in 1996, Dwane was invited to serve on the Governor’s Sesquicentennial Celebration Coordinating Council, overseeing activities that commemorated the 1847 arrival of the Mormon Pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley.

Dwane and Susie joined the Ogden Pioneer Days committee in 1979 and have since held numerous roles within the organization. Dwane served as chairman of the Ogden Pioneer Days Parade Committee from 1984 to 1992, Vice Chairman of the committee in 1993, and Chairman again from 1994-1995. In addition, Dwane and Susie were inducted into The Miss Rodeo Utah Hall of Fame, The Utah Cowboy Hall of Fame, Ogden Pioneer Days Grand Marshals, and were instrumental in the induction of Ogden Pioneer Days into the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) Hall of Fame.

Dwane is survived by his three children, Ransom, Kelly, and Courtney; his sister, Rae (Tissy) Koch; eleven grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

He was one that always paid it forward and will continue to do so as he joins Susie at the University of Utah, donating his body to science.

Please join us for a casual open house on Thursday, May 7th from 6-8pm at the Ogden Union Station (2501 Wall Ave, Ogden, UT 84401) to celebrate Susie and Dwane.

In lieu of flowers, Dwane and Susie have requested donations be made to the Ogden Pioneer Days Foundation (a 501 (c) (3) non-profit) (PO Box 150092, Ogden Utah, 84415 or Venmo – @Pioneer_Days_Ogden) or a charity of your choice.