Albert James "A.J." Hochsprung, 93, of Minot and former owner and operator of A.J. Automotive and NoDak Race Club Hall of Famer died on Thursday, July 16, 2020 in a Minot assisted living facility.

Albert James Hochsprung was born on August 18, 1926 in Turtle Lake, ND to Fred and Synneva (Hauge) Hochsprung. He was raised on a farm in the Ruso/Strawberry Lake area of McLean County and attended rural schools in that area. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to McLean County.

A.J. married Doris Semchenko on September 2, 1957 at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Bismarck. They made their home in Minot where they owned and operated AJH Motors until 1979 when they transitioned the business to AJ Automotive which they operated until their retirement in 1998. Most recently they had resided at Elmcroft (formerly known as Brentmoor) Assisted Living Center.

A.J. was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church - Minot and was a very active member of the NoDak Race Club. As a racing enthusiast he helped establish Minot's first race track on North Hill in 1956 and was inducted into the NoDak Race Club Hall of Fame in 1989.  He especially enjoyed watching NASCAR, carpentry and yard work.

A.J. is survived by his wife of 62 years Doris; daughter: Carrie; granddaughter: Heidi and great-grandchildren: Galilea, Camila and Natalia; siblings: Lou Ella Anderson, Marjorie Hornberger, Marlys House; brother-in-law: Arnold Semchenko and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A.J. was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Darlene Hochsprung, brothers: Robert and Ted Hochsprung and in-laws: Maureen Hochsprung, Lorraine Alder, Richard Semchenko, Marge Semchenko, Alvin Semchenko, Wally Hornberger and Bill Anderson.

Public Graveside Service:  Monday, July 27, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in Section 24 (Southcentral Area) of Rosehill Memorial Park- Minot.  Military Honors will be provided by the Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard and Minot American Legion Post #26.
Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church - Minot or to the donor's choice.