Published Tuesday May 6, 2008
Missing Atlantic, Iowa, man found dead along highway
BY KEVIN COLE AND SUSAN SZALEWSKI
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITERS
A body found in a culvert Monday has been identified as a missing 26-year-old Atlantic, Iowa, man, a family member confirmed.
Justin Eugene Hoeck, 26, of Atlantic was reported missing Saturday by his fiancee, Cassie Weeks. Authorities said they can account for his whereabouts up to 3 or 4 a.m. Saturday, when he was at an Atlantic residence.
Hoeck was a stay-at-home father for his daughters, ages 5 and 1. His talents as a cook helped him in that role, said his grandfather, Wilbert Hoeck of Atlantic.
The younger Hoeck was an avid fisherman. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 2001 and worked in construction before a disability kept him from working, Hoeck said.
"He was pretty happy-go-lucky," his grandfather said. "He had a good attitude, and we'll miss him."
Authorities are investigating, and an autopsy will be performed at the Iowa State Medical Examiner's Office in Ankeny.
An employee of the Iowa Department of Transportation found Hoeck's body about 11 a.m. Monday while inspecting a culvert on the west side of Iowa Highway 6, adjacent to Casey's General Store at 911 Southwest Seventh St.
The employee called Atlantic police. The Cass County medical examiner confirmed the death.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has taken charge of the case.
My good friend Justin will be missed dearly by family, and friends alike. But no more so than by his two beautiful children. Rest in peace Justin.
And may God bless your family.
